Kevin Ford
Peoria
Summary
Accomplished Fabrication Specialist with a proven track record at Caterpillar, Case New Holland, and Parker Fabrication demonstrating expertise in MIG and TIG welding and a strong commitment to workplace safety. Excelled in teamwork and collaboration, significantly enhancing production workflows through meticulous attention to detail and mastery in interpreting blueprints. Renowned for fabricating high-quality metal parts, ensuring top-notch standards in every project.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Shop Owner
FAB Smart
02.2024 - Current
- Maintained accurate financial records, including sales reports, expense tracking, and budget management.
- Developed loyal customer base by consistently delivering high-quality products and personalized service.
- Managed inventory levels efficiently, ensuring optimal stock availability and minimizing overhead costs.
- Constructed personalized handrails, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship.
- Executed metal repair tasks to uphold high-quality standards and customer satisfaction.
- Designed and constructed custom safety cages for moving machinery.
Fabrication Welder
Parker Fabrication
07.2023 - 03.2024
- Measured and cut metal pieces to correct length and angle to attain proper fit and alignment of pieces.
- Maintained high-quality workmanship through consistent attention to detail and adherence to specifications.
- Maintained clean and organized work area to prevent workplace accidents.
- Read and followed blueprints and weld diagrams.
- Fabricated double wall stainless steel exhaust systems up to 36 inches.
- Executed TIG and MIG welding techniques on stainless steel materials.
- Demonstrated versatility in welding techniques, applying appropriate methods for each specific project requirement.
NDT Technician
Volt Workforce Solutions
07.2020 - 07.2023
- Visually examined materials, structures and components for signs of corrosion, metal fatigue and cracks.
- Maintained a strong safety culture within the NDT department by adhering to established best practices and promoting awareness among team members.
- Streamlined reporting processes by creating clear and concise documentation of findings for engineering teams to review.
- Assisted in maintaining industry compliance by adhering to established procedures, codes, and standards during inspections.
- Performed ultrasonic inspections to identify and document internal defects.
- Increased equipment reliability with thorough evaluation of weld quality using visual inspection and other NDT methods.
Fabrication Specialist
Caterpillar
09.2016 - 07.2020
- Executed precise welding techniques to fabricate high-quality metal parts.
- Assembled and welded various components on rear track roller frames for D9 and D10 bulldozers.
- Ensured high-quality standards in fabrication processes.
- Completed fabrication assignments to support efficient production workflows.
- Interpreted blueprints to ensure accurate fabrication processes.
- Executed fabrication tasks using various metalworking tools.
- Maintained strict adherence to safety standards to prevent workplace accidents.
WELDER
Case New Holland
05.2004 - 09.2016
- Welded in flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead positions.
- Maintained clean working environment by consistently organizing tools and equipment, promoting workplace safety.
- Demonstrated versatility in various welding methods including MIG, TIG, Stick, and Flux Core Welding techniques.
- Fabricated shop parts directly from blueprints.
- Inspected welds and checked critical measurements to meet specifications.
- Operated hoists, cranes, and power tools to dismantle equipment to find and remove defective parts.
- Clamped, held, tack-welded, heat-bent and bolted component parts to achieve required configurations and positions.
- Prepared welding equipment to perform advanced welding work.
Education
Certificate D.1 Structural Code - Certified Welding Inspector D.1
American Welding Society
Miami, FL05-2020
GED -
Tazwell County Board of Education
Pekin, IL12-2002
Certificate .Pipe Welding Specialist - Pipe Fitting And Structural Welding
Illinois Welding School
Bartonville IL11-2002
Skills
- Mig and tig welding
- Flux core welding
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Understanding drawings and blueprints
- Strong attention to detail
- Dependable and hardworking
- Workplace safety
Timeline
Shop Owner
FAB Smart
02.2024 - Current
Fabrication Welder
Parker Fabrication
07.2023 - 03.2024
NDT Technician
Volt Workforce Solutions
07.2020 - 07.2023
Fabrication Specialist
Caterpillar
09.2016 - 07.2020
WELDER
Case New Holland
05.2004 - 09.2016
Certificate D.1 Structural Code - Certified Welding Inspector D.1
American Welding Society
GED -
Tazwell County Board of Education
Certificate .Pipe Welding Specialist - Pipe Fitting And Structural Welding
Illinois Welding School
Similar Profiles
Barry BratholBarry Brathol
Production Supervisor at Northern Metal Fab.Production Supervisor at Northern Metal Fab.
Joseph ClintonJoseph Clinton
Machine Operator Technician/Project Manager at Steel Fab., Inc.Machine Operator Technician/Project Manager at Steel Fab., Inc.
Haley HimmelspachHaley Himmelspach
Project Manager/Quality Assurance Specialist at Bio Fab TechnologiesProject Manager/Quality Assurance Specialist at Bio Fab Technologies
Timeka HayesTimeka Hayes
Senior Lead Cosmetology Instructor at Gateway Community CollegeSenior Lead Cosmetology Instructor at Gateway Community College
Katherine LansfordKatherine Lansford
Caregiver at Apostolic Christian SkylinesCaregiver at Apostolic Christian Skylines