Travis Abney
Winchester
Summary
Dynamic problem solver with robust experience in project management and process design, excelling in fast paced start-up environments. Notably led the development of the Equipment Maintenance program for Danimer Scientific, contributing to the successful startup and commercialization of the PHA plant in Winchester. Proficient in critical thinking and cost reduction strategies, fostering cross-team collaboration to drive significant improvements.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Facilities Project Manager
Danimer Scientific
Winchester
07.2021 - Current
- Key stakeholder in the $150M expansion project at the Winchester facility.
- Participated in process design, process hazard analysis, and process safety reviews.
- Developed and maintained project plans for capital projects, ensuring the completion of tasks on time.
- Manage the maintenance program consisting of the daily activities of 16 technicians and a CMMS administrator.
- Experience in the management of change processes, as well as CAPAs.
- Developed and implemented a departmental tier program with specified job descriptions and pay scales.
- Developed and implemented a performance review program for the department, and managed promotions.
- Provide technical guidance related to facilities management processes, such as space planning and service agreement/contract negotiations.
- Assess vendor performance against contractual requirements, and provide feedback as needed.
- Conducted regular meetings with stakeholders to review progress, identify potential issues, and develop solutions.
- Established effective communication channels between all involved parties in order to facilitate successful collaboration.
- Held oversight of equipment maintenance, repairs and installations scheduling and work performed.
- Responsible for maintaining a monthly budget and exploring cost-saving opportunities.
- Demonstrated ability to juggle diverse responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
- Facilitated improvements by addressing outdated practices diplomatically.
- Collaborated with utility providers regularly.
- Oversaw completion of deliverables related to insurance and loss prevention group.
- Managed and coordinated annual state inspections for all pressure vessels onsite.
- Tracked and reported on KPIs within the maintenance department.
Senior Mechanical and Fabrication Specialist
Danimer Scientific
Winchester
01.2019 - 07.2021
- Key stakeholder in the 100M retrofit and initial start-up of the Winchester facility.
- Assisted in interviewing and hiring processes of management team.
- Responsible for all hiring and training of Maintenance team members.
- Developed CMMS program including Asset ID system, PMs and PM frequencies for new and legacy equipment.
- Participated in process design, process hazard analysis, and process safety reviews.
- Assisted with development of administrative policies including but not limited to Attendance, progressive discipline and safety policies.
- Managed the development and use of Hot work, Confined space and LOTO programs.
- Managed all aspects of plant shutdowns/turnarounds.
- Managed contractor and vendor support.
- Demonstrated ability to juggle diverse responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
- Worked closely with the engineering team on the selection of new equipment.
- Implemented adjustments to the PM schedule based on failure rates to improve spending on spare parts and consumables.
- Improved equipment reliability by implementing vibration analysis, operator inspections as well as adjustment of operational procedures.
Maintenance Specialist
Alltech Biotechnology
Winchester
01.2015 - 01.2019
- Responsible for 24/7 troubleshooting support of the Winchester site.
- Completed all tasks in accordance with safety, CGMP, and quality requirements.
- Daily management of utility equipment including but not limited to Chillers, Boilers, rotary screw compressors, centrifugal compressors
- Daily management of water treatment including but not limited to softeners, activated carbon filters, RO systems and water chemistry.
- Extensive experience with troubleshooting and maintaining pumps, valves, agitators, conveyors, disc stack centrifuges, and homogenizers.rs, sterilizers and homogenizers.
- Assisted with sanitary and non sanitary process design.
- Tasked with custom fabrication and process optimization projects.
Welder/Fabricator
Precision Mechanical, Inc.
Winchester
06.2012 - 01.2015
- Ensured compliance with quality, safety guidelines, and CGMP regulations on multiple greenfield and brownfield projects across the East Coast.
- Specialized in sanitary/aseptic TIG welding and piping design.
- Collaborated closely with supervisors to ensure that projects were completed on time and within budget constraints.
- Routinely involved in the start-up of operations post-project.
- Carried out tasks under demanding conditions like working at heights and confined spaces.
- Carried out the construction and erection process for structural steel.
- Contributed innovative ideas to resolve process challenges.
Boilermaker
Hall Contracting of Kentucky
Louisville
07.2010 - 05.2012
- Performed boilermaker duties in multiple power plant environments.
- Delivered expertise in diverse techniques: welding, torch cutting, arc gouging.
- Operated and managed heavy machinery.
- Performed tasks involving complex rigging in industrial settings.
- Conducted welding for underground polyethylene piping using electrofusion.
- Followed blueprints for executing tasks to specifications.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Industrial Maintenance Technology
Somerset Community College
Somerset, KYSkills
- Project management
- Process design
- Vendor management
- Equipment maintenance
- Change management
- Problem solving
- Cost reduction strategies
- Critical thinking
Accomplishments
- Emerson Delta V Implementation I
- Focal Point Professional Development- Strategic Leadership
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Facilities Project Manager
Danimer Scientific
07.2021 - Current
Senior Mechanical and Fabrication Specialist
Danimer Scientific
01.2019 - 07.2021
Maintenance Specialist
Alltech Biotechnology
01.2015 - 01.2019
Welder/Fabricator
Precision Mechanical, Inc.
06.2012 - 01.2015
Boilermaker
Hall Contracting of Kentucky
07.2010 - 05.2012
Some College (No Degree) - Industrial Maintenance Technology
Somerset Community College
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