BIOGRAPHY OF ROBERT SMILLIE

National Director

Robert Smillie is a 1969 graduate of Western Michigan University, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree. Bob began his career with Ford Motor Company in 1967 as a co-op student while attending W.M.U. Since that time, he has held numerous engineering, quality and manufacturing positions within the Ford Motor Company. His work experiences have taken him to assignments across the United States, Canada, Mexico and Europe.

During Bob's 34 years at Ford Motor Company, he has had the opportunity to work in over a dozen manufacturing facilities across three divisions of Ford; casting, glass, and engine Powertrain operations. Bob was named plant manager in November 1996. He retired after 34 years with Ford Motor Company at the end of 2000. Subsequently he assumed the position of Vice President of Canadian Operations for Nemak Corporation, Monterrey, Mexico. Nemak is a global supplier of aluminum cylinder head and block castings to the worldwide automotive industry.

Bob is very actively involved in both the American Foundry Society, and the Foundry Educational Foundation. Moreover, Bob is a member of the Shingo Prize Board of Examiners for "Excellence in Manufacturing" which is administered through Utah State University. Bob and his wife Sue, reside in Northville, Michigan. He is a father of two, and a grandfather of three. He enjoys classic car restoration and traveling in his spare time.