In our last newsletter, we introduced you to the senior leadership team that will fill key roles across various departments for our new lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility in De Soto, Kansas. Today, we are spotlighting Robert Winans, Vice President, Supply Chain.
Can you tell us about your role with the new De Soto facility?
Think of supply chain as working with our raw material suppliers to forecast and purchase raw materials, warehousing and logistics to move materials into the factory supporting production, planning daily production for the factory, and managing the logistics out of the factory to our OEM customers.
What challenges do you enjoy tackling each day?
We are in startup/project mode right now in Kansas. This means we are putting systems and processes in place while hiring a talented Supply Chain team to help run battery manufacturing in De Soto. I also enjoy the materials science behind our battery technology, including our partnerships with innovative suppliers who help drive Panasonic’s leadership in battery range, charging speed, and safety.
What excites you most about this new facility?
Coming to work every day at one of the world’s largest LI-ON EV battery plants in the world, driven by a culture focused on people.
What drew you to Panasonic Energy?
In my first meeting with Allan Swan, he laid out the vision of Panasonic Energy within the EV market. Then, after visiting the facility in Nevada, it was clear this was an incredible opportunity.
What is your favorite aspect of Panasonic culture?
The Seven Principles of the Panasonic Culture are unique and different than any other major company. They focus on core values and culture within the company. There is no mention of profit, however we work under the basic idea that following the seven principles will drive the company to accomplish its goals.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Family time, of course. Health and fitness as well as continuous learning both professional and personal.
What’s on your bucket list that might surprise people?
Traveling between the US and Asia on a sea container ship - must have internet!
