Ben Van Straten
About Ben Van Straten
Ben Van Straten is a Project Manager at Plexus Corp. with a background in Industrial Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree.
Work at Plexus
Ben Van Straten has been employed at Plexus Corp. as a Project Manager since 2013. In this role, he has led various initiatives aimed at improving operational efficiency. He has facilitated floor relayouts and assisted in large-scale building relocations. His responsibilities also include creating and updating goal calculators and capacity models to enhance productivity. Additionally, he has driven labor contribution margin improvements by reducing waste in processes and has mentored teams on error proofing challenges using lean sigma tools.
Education and Expertise
Ben Van Straten earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, where he studied from 2009 to 2013. His educational background provides a strong foundation for his work in project management and process improvement. During his studies, he also served as a Resident Assistant at the university from 2011 to 2013, gaining valuable leadership experience.
Background
Before becoming a Project Manager, Ben Van Straten worked as an Industrial Engineering Intern at Plexus Corp. in 2012 for three months. In this position, he gained practical experience in process improvement and operational efficiency. His early career experiences have contributed to his current role, where he applies his knowledge to lead kaizen projects and implement strategies that enhance workflow and reduce queue time.
Achievements
Throughout his career at Plexus Corp., Ben Van Straten has led kaizen projects that focus on rapidly identifying root causes and improving processes. He has set up flow lines to streamline product movement through multiple processes, effectively eliminating queue time. Additionally, he has facilitated 5S management and coordinated volunteer auditors to maintain organizational standards within the workplace.