Jeffery Philips

Tell us about yourself. How long have you been with the company, and what positions have you held during your tenure?

My name is Jeffrey Phillips, the Value Stream Manager for the Orkot department at Trelleborg Sealing Solutions in Streamwood, Illinois. I’ve been with Trelleborg since 2008, starting as a programmer operator in the Orkot CNC machining area. Before that, I spent about 15 years in Cleveland, Ohio working in manufacturing for the automotive aftermarket industry.

As an employee, what are your main responsibilities in your current role? How has your role evolved over the years?

As a Value Stream Manager, my core responsibility is streamlining workflow within the Orkot department by identifying and eliminating inefficiencies. I lead daily meetings focused on safety, quality, and on-time delivery performance, creating an open forum for employees to provide feedback and share ideas.

In addition to optimizing operations, I support customer service by managing priority requests and expediting orders when demands exceed standard lead times. I’m also an active participant in the best practice sharing program led by Gary Salter, collaborating with other Trelleborg sites across the U.S. to exchange innovative ideas and effective solutions.

Over the years, my role has evolved significantly. Transitioning from machining to management has deepened my understanding of processes and provided me with a broader perspective on operations. This journey has been both rewarding and enriching, marked by constant learning and growth.

What has kept you motivated and engaged while working at Trelleborg for an extended period? 
​My passion comes from the diverse range of products we create and the unique challenges they present. One project that stands out was manufacturing tools for the oil and gas industry about 10 years ago. It was an exciting challenge to figure out how to thread Orkot material—a combination of thermoset resin and cloth—for fully assembled tools.

Another unforgettable experience was designing a bumper for an offshore oil and gas turret. The scale was extraordinary—we assembled it in the parking lot and had to take photos from the roof to capture it fully!

These projects, along with the incredible camaraderie of the team, have made my time here both rewarding and inspiring.

With your wealth of experience, how do you envision the future of your area of expertise within Trelleborg? What trends or developments do you see shaping the industry, and how do you plan to adapt?

At Streamwood, we’ve seen a rising focus on the aerospace sector, and my vision is to accelerate the growth of Orkot aerospace products. Equally important, we are committed to advancing the use of materials that deliver exceptional quality while significantly reducing landfill waste. As the industry moves toward a more sustainable future, we are dedicated to aligning with these principles, integrating them into our processes, and staying ahead of the curve to create a meaningful impact.

What advice would you give to people at the beginning of their careers, based on your own professional journey? Any key lessons or principles that have helped you succeed and grow?

For anyone starting their career, I can’t emphasize enough the importance of seizing every opportunity to learn and grow. Seek out a mentor—there’s no substitute for guidance shaped by real experience. Over my 16 years at Trelleborg, I’ve embraced every chance to expand my skills and knowledge, and it has profoundly enhanced my abilities. Never stop learning; the knowledge you gain will always serve you well.

Outside of work, how do you spend your free time? Tell us about your hobbies, interests, or any community involvement that you're passionate about.

I’ve always been a car enthusiast. I have a Camaro ZL1 that I love to drag race and show off at car shows during the summer—it’s my way to unwind and dive into my passion for automotive design and performance. In the winter, I keep that passion going by collecting diecast cars and building model cars.

I also like to stay active! I was one of the top participants in Trelleborg’s Charity Miles program, averaging about 25,000 steps a day. Running or walking while listening to podcasts is my go-to—it’s a great way to stay informed and feel productive.