Screen Innovations Hires Kenneth Laird as Director of Manufacturing

Austin, Texas – Screen Innovations, a manufacturer of premium residential and commercial theater projection screens, announces the hire of Kenneth Laird in the newly created position of Director of Manufacturing. Mr. Laird’s expertise includes proficiencies in Process Development, Quality Control, Demand Flow Technology, and other facets of the manufacturing process. His new role will facilitate Screen Innovation’s continued drive to deliver innovative, price competitive cinema screens across their various business interests.

“We’re extremely excited to bring Ken aboard as we continue to expand our business,” said John McCumber, chief executive officer of Screen Innovations. “With Ken’s impressive background, his experience in product development and lean manufacturing procedures, we’re confident that his addition to the Screen Innovations team will enable us to continue to bring innovative screen products to market.”

Mr. Laird joins the SI family from Weed Instrument in Round Rock, Texas where he served as Materials Manager providing leadership in implementing Lean Manufacturing across the company by facilitating Kaizen Events and introducing lean methodologies for Materials Management and Production in a low volume, high mix environment. Laird also worked for over ten years at Applied Materials of Austin, Texas where held several manufacturing and project management positions. He was a key player in Applied Materials’ Lean Manufacturing system development and conversion. He also provided training coordination and support across worldwide manufacturing operations in implementing a new ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system.

As a Business Process Development Manager, Ken has worked on and managed various cross functional and cross organizational projects to develop and improve manufacturing processes and systems.

In one instance, he established cross organizational teams to coordinate user testing and communications for Texas and California manufacturing operations in the implementation of a new information technology data center. In another project, he led an ISO9002 certification effort for his manufacturing systems support group which involved establishing and documenting all critical business processes for the department, maintaining close collaboration with the Quality Management organization, and conducting group training and internal audit preparations that resulted in ISO certification with zero non-conformances.

“I’m really excited to assume my new responsibilities with Screen Innovations,” said Ken Laird.  “Their impressive growth and innovative philosophy were an attractive combination that drove my decision to become a part of the team. There are always challenges that any company faces to succeed and be the best in their field, and I’m looking forward to playing my part in Screen Innovations’ ultimate success.”