Name:
Dyllan Messmer
Current role:
Production Manager
Location:
Zotefoams North America, Walton, Kentucky, USA
How long have you been working at Zotefoams:
Seven years
Date joined:
1 November 2018
Career progression:
from High Pressure & Talc Utility Operator to Plant Manager
Background:
Since joining Zotefoams in 2018, Dyllan has moved rapidly through the ranks with his first promotion to Talc Specialist achieved within three months of joining the business.
His excellent knowledge of the production process and general performance, plus his support for training other operators led to another promotion to Shift Lead in 2020, and then to Shift Supervisor in 2021. Additional promotions followed, including Production Manager in 2023 then to Plant Manager in 2025.
He is trained in the full spectrum of manufacturing operations including the high-pressure and low-pressure processes, extrusion, talc, fabrication, logistics, plus scheduling planning and ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning)/AX System transactions, creating standard work processes and ‘all things leadership’.
In 2024, he supported Zotefoams Midwest (Tulsa) with a month-long stint to assist with the Oklahoma manufacturing site’s training, standard operating work processes, assessments, and transition management for the additional glue machines being brought online.
Zotefoams has acknowledged Dyllan’s value to the business by encouraging him to complete and receive a company-supported Professional Leadership Training Programme certification, in addition to computer and software classes to further his data reporting knowledge.
Dyllan’s career highlights to date have included:
- Managing a Global Export project for the Walton production site.
- Reducing the HP (High-Pressure) cycle time to increase operational efficiencies.
- Ramping up LP (Low-Pressure) cycle time to increase output 20k m3 to reach peaks of 80k m3 during 2023.
- Restructuring and developing the Production team by standardising labour requirements to decrease operational risks.
- Working closely with the Engineering team to identify the root causes of product defects and then implementing correctional processes.
- Collaborating weekly with groups in the UK for continued learning and contributions.
And Dyllan is not standing still. He is planning to continue his training this year by focusing on obtaining a Six Sigma Certification.
What do you like about working at Zotefoams?
“I love working for a company where executive leadership is approachable and your opinions/views matter. It’s exciting to work for a company that is actively growing, investing, expanding, and learning.”
What do you like to do when you are not working?
“Bass fishing, boating, and spending time with my wife and two daughters.”
Tip for success at Zotefoams?
Fantasy career?
“I would love to run my own company, but, until then, I am very pleased to help run this one.”