Eugene Jr. Trower
Blythewood
Summary
Enthusiastic manager with over 20 years experience in the manufacturing industry. Leader with decision-making skills that provide positive results for the company. Adhering to company policies, improving safety, environmental compliance, team building, applying good housekeeping practices, along with solid work ethics, is the path taken to achieve those results.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Plant Manager
General Shale Brick
Augusta, GA
05.2025 - Current
- Assume aforementioned Assistant Plant Manager duties
- Continue some Plant Manager duties while assisting/training new Plant Manager
- Voluntary step down
Plant Manager
General Shale Brick
Augusta, GA
01.2023 - 05.2025
- Managed Augusta site with an Assistant Plant Manager
- Responsible for directing Assistant Plant Manager on daily production, safety, quality, efficiency, maintenance and housekeeping
- Plan production schedules
- Managed cost and EE working hours, minimize OT
- Complete monthly cost analysis and submit explanations for results
- Responsible for MSHA, OSHA and environmental compliance
Assistant Plant Manager
Meridian Brick
Salisbury, NC
08.2021 - 12.2022
- Assisted Plant Manager in brick making operations; safety, production, efficiency
- Responsible for confirming daily set up process with department supervisors
- Responsible for planning maintenance projects with contractors and the maintenance supervisor
- MSHA certified for mining activities
- Lead Quality Control process
- Responsible for environmental compliance
- Lead site safety committee
- Lead property loss prevention committee
- (General Shale Brick acquisition 2022)
Plant Operations Manager
US Brick Company
Columbia, SC
07.2020 - 06.2021
- Managed Grinding, Manufacturing, Kiln, Packaging, and Maintenance Supervisors
- Helped to manage mining; verified stockpiles and MSHA compliance
- Met weekly with department supervisors to identify and correct safety issues and worked to make quality improvements in each department
- Implemented strategies to reduce operating costs
- Responsible for environmental compliance
Kiln/Packaging/Maintenance Supervisor
Meridian Brick Plant 4
Columbia, SC
10.2017 - 07.2020
- Managed 19 personnel between all departments (managed time and attendance, and scheduled vacations)
- Recorded kiln and limestone scrubber data for environmental compliance
- Implemented procedures to improve quality and recovery in all departments
- Coordinated with vendors to order parts and scheduled contracted maintenance support for each department when needed
Plant Superintendent
Forterra Brick, Plant 2
Columbia, SC
05.2016 - 10.2017
- Oversaw daily production of Grinding, Drying, Firing, and Packaging Departments
- Managed two supervisors with lead personnel
- Managed daily process of coal firing systems; managed alternative fuel conversions during curtailment periods
- Held weekly safety meetings with plant personnel
- Scheduled major repairs and plant shutdowns
Kiln Supervisor
Carolina Ceramics Brick Company
Columbia, SC
12.2005 - 05.2016
- Supervised seven department personnel
- Order and maintained parts inventory for the Kiln Department.
- Updated and maintained department SOP's
- Managed fuel mixture corrections for efficiency to reduce costs.
- Managed Ceric Automation; kilns, dryers, transfers, and kiln car haulage system operation according to the Wincer Program
- A negative shift in the economy resulted in a reduction in management. In addition to my current duties, I also assumed responsibility of a manufacturing and a packaging plant from 2009-2012. I managed department operations and personnel
Assistant Kiln Supervisor
Richtex/Hanson Brick Company
Columbia, SC
06.2003 - 12.2005
- Continued Master Firemen functions
- Held department update and safety meetings
- Increased quality control functions on finished products
- Managed kiln and dryer product changes, monitored drying and firing curves, and made necessary changes for ASTM quality specifications
- Recorded daily kiln and limestone scrubber data to ensure environmental compliance
- Managed the Kiln Department when the kiln supervisor was absent or on vacation.
- Identified issues and scheduled repairs on kiln cars
Master Fireman
Richtex Brick Plant 4
Columbia, SC
06.2001 - 06.2003
- Mastered Fireman and Fireman Helper duties; covered shifts during absences
- Completed preventive maintenance on kilns, dryers, and department equipment to maintain up time.
- Performed initial quality testing on brick out of the kiln.
- On call for any after hour kiln department related issues or repairs.
- Reported to the Kiln Supervisor
Education
High School -
Spring Valley High School
Columbia, SCSkills
- Effective Communication
- Approachable Personality
- Willingness to learn
- Problem-solving
- Ability to display empathy
- Relationship building
- Good listener
Certification
- MSHA
- First Aid/CPR/AED
Timeline
Assistant Plant Manager
General Shale Brick
05.2025 - Current
Plant Manager
General Shale Brick
01.2023 - 05.2025
Assistant Plant Manager
Meridian Brick
08.2021 - 12.2022
Plant Operations Manager
US Brick Company
07.2020 - 06.2021
Kiln/Packaging/Maintenance Supervisor
Meridian Brick Plant 4
10.2017 - 07.2020
Plant Superintendent
Forterra Brick, Plant 2
05.2016 - 10.2017
Kiln Supervisor
Carolina Ceramics Brick Company
12.2005 - 05.2016
Assistant Kiln Supervisor
Richtex/Hanson Brick Company
06.2003 - 12.2005
Master Fireman
Richtex Brick Plant 4
06.2001 - 06.2003
High School -
Spring Valley High School