Tom Murphy - Manufacturing Manager

We are excited to announce Tom Murphy as the new Manufacturing Manager at PTA Plastics! Tom brings a plethora of experience and is ready and eager to support our manufacturing team. Learn more about Tom below:

You became the Manufacturing Manager at PTA Plastics in April. What were some of your previous job roles and responsibilities before coming to PTA Plastics?

The past 4 years I was the VP of Operations for Starplast USA. I was responsible for the USA Manufacturing Operations for the Texas and Virginia facilities. Previous to that, I was the VP of Operations for United Solutions. I started as the Plant Manager and then became the VP of Operations for my final 2 years overseeing 2 facilities. The beginning of my career was at Tapco building products for 13 years and then Berry Plastics.

What are some of your responsibilities as Manufacturing Manager at PTA?

One of my responsibilities will be to help the manufacturing team support the overall company goals. We will achieve this through following processes and procedures whilst maintaining our focus on meeting metric driven goals while trying to exceed our company targets. Of course, all of this will need to be completed with safety as our number one priority combined with providing our customers with the exceptional quality parts they expect.

What are some of the goals you have as Manufacturing Manager?

While at this point, I am immersed in learning the operations, processes, and people here at PTA, my primary responsibility will be to become an asset to PTA as a whole and specifically the manufacturing team in the near future. We will want to be as efficient, resilient, consistent, and adaptive as the business dictates.

What impact does your role have internally?

This role is ultimately the tool the manufacturing team uses to leverage their needs so they can succeed. Internally I must provide the leadership and action the team needs to prepare them to “WIN” every day. If the team experiences “road blocks” to their success it is my duty to eliminate or find a way past the proverbial “road blocks”.

What impact does your role have on our customers?

As the leader of the manufacturing team, it is my responsibility to ensure the team knows what our customers expect and how we will provide them with that expectation. Working with the leadership team here at PTA I will be a voice for the customer to the manufacturing team to ensure we are communicating the customer’s needs as well as executing the results needed for the PTA team in providing our customers the quality products they expect in a timely fashion.

Tell us something that everyone may not know about you.

I coached girls fastpitch softball from 12 and under to 21 and under for 25+ years. In that time, I coached recreational leagues, travel teams, high school, and College as an assistant to my daughter.

Additionally, I think everything happens for a reason, and I believe the statement - “Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing”. I enjoy the “hot” temperatures over the cold, unsweet ice tea is my favorite drink and I love to learn, which drives my curiosity. I love being on, in, or near the water whenever possible.

Can you tell us some facts about yourself?

Hometown? I was born in Warsaw, NY and grew up in Corning, NY.

Favorite Book? I really enjoy many books but my favorite book series for enjoyment is probably the Lord of the Rings trilogy. My favorite “professional” books are “Extreme Ownership” and “The Five Disfunctions of a Team”.

Favorite Movie? This is very tough for me as I am very eclectic in what I enjoy, so I will say, “The Quiet Man”, “Message in a Bottle”, and “In Harm’s Way”. I know, weird … I will also say that I think the musical “Wicked” on Broadway was one of the most AMAZING live events I have ever seen.

Favorite Sports Team? I am a New York Giants fan, I bleed blue, and there has been a lot of bleeding these past few years. 😊

Favorite Vacation Spot? Any beach, but Sanibel Island and Siesta Key are two of my favorite beach locations.

Favorite Hobby? I enjoy relaxing on the beach and playing Texas Hold’em and PLO.

Favorite Food? I enjoy seafood and would have to say Grouper is my favorite, followed closely by scallops.

What do you like to do on the weekends? For many years work has always been my go-to on the weekends, but I am now learning that spending time with my family and my dog Nikita is becoming my favorite weekend past time, and …. there is ALWAYS time for the beach!