Tim Ruger

Tim has over 25 years of experience in various roles in manufacturing. He was trained as a mechanical engineer at Western Michigan University and has continued his education in business management at the University of Wisconsin and CEDEP, INSEAD Business School in France. Starting his career he worked within a Toyota Keiretsu learning the practical application of lean manufacturing through the Toyota Manufacturing system while serving in the product and quality engineering departments. His first leadership role was leading a team in the development of a vehicle climate testing lab. As he progressed through his career, he has served in roles that have included responsibilities for IT/IS department (during which he was featured in Net Economy magazine and a keynote speaker at various industry events sharing his vision for remote collaboration utilizing various technological platforms). Additionally, he led the integration of ERP solutions at two different companies. Tim has also led various international activities including projects in Asia, Europe, North and South America. These activities have included items from launching of newly engineered products to starting greenfield sites. Tim has overseen and been involved in the creation of over 7 new facility start-ups. Also, he oversaw the integration of a Ford Motor Company components manufacturing plant into a newly created company. Tim served in roles as Test Engineer, Lab manager, Engineering Manager, IT/IS Director, North American Director of R&D and Program Management, and Executive Vice President of Operations before his current role at Central States as COO. Outside of work Tim is involved in his church as well as having had leadership involvement in Junior Achievement and The Boy Scouts of America.