Good morning, everyone. This is my first-not first post in the forum. That's because I used to post regularly years ago, mainly on topics revolving around CMM's under a forgotten user name. But now I've advanced in my career and find myself as a department manager in a manufacturing company. I've been something of a nomad, having worked in many prestigious companies in the aerospace, defense, automotive, and medical component manufacturing fields doing everything from programming mills and lathes to various engineering positions.
In my career, like anyone else, I've seen the most shady business practices and people. But other than having to sign reports, the responsibility down stream has fallen on a higher up. But now that I'm in an executive level position, I find myself in a dilemma that I was wondering if any one else has found themselves in.
Essentially, this company had no quality department for years. Literally, they made components and simply shipped them out the door to various customers (some household names). I discovered that there were escapes. Escapes which not only were an ongoing problem but of a nature which that will (at the very least) cause the assembly to fail after use. I'm not sure if it's catastrophic to the operator, as something like this has never been tested as far as I'm aware. But I know and can prove that these components are out in the field. I found the problem internally, shut down the whole facility and ordered a 100% inspection of the component in question. I found hundreds upon hundreds of the part with the defect in the facility and some which were made late last year. So I know that it was systemic. When I reported it to the owners and the plant manager they decided to ignore the problem as if it didn't happen. I have a whole bunch of issues with this approach.
Have any of you been in a similar situation? How did you approach it?
I've taken various steps to protect myself and am looking for a new job.
In my career, like anyone else, I've seen the most shady business practices and people. But other than having to sign reports, the responsibility down stream has fallen on a higher up. But now that I'm in an executive level position, I find myself in a dilemma that I was wondering if any one else has found themselves in.
Essentially, this company had no quality department for years. Literally, they made components and simply shipped them out the door to various customers (some household names). I discovered that there were escapes. Escapes which not only were an ongoing problem but of a nature which that will (at the very least) cause the assembly to fail after use. I'm not sure if it's catastrophic to the operator, as something like this has never been tested as far as I'm aware. But I know and can prove that these components are out in the field. I found the problem internally, shut down the whole facility and ordered a 100% inspection of the component in question. I found hundreds upon hundreds of the part with the defect in the facility and some which were made late last year. So I know that it was systemic. When I reported it to the owners and the plant manager they decided to ignore the problem as if it didn't happen. I have a whole bunch of issues with this approach.
Have any of you been in a similar situation? How did you approach it?
I've taken various steps to protect myself and am looking for a new job.