Derek Thiede, product development and project engineer at Lexington Manufacturing.
Derek Thiede, product development/project engineer at Lexington Manufacturing’s Brainerd facility, recently completed certification as a Project Management Professional with Project Management Institute (PMI).
Thiede has been with Lexington since 2016 and was eager to participate in the PMI program, called the “gold standard in project management.”
“Briefly, it’s a formalized method of managing projects by taking a group of tasks from initial analysis to the final, completed project,” said Thiede. “It details who needs to be involved and at what stages, planning each step, establishing controls and monitoring, plus follow-up in incorporating successes in future projects. We then fine-tune and apply the methods to the unique needs, steps, and projects of our own company or industry.”
He completed the class in the Twin Cities as an intensive, four-day, full immersion course. After studying, he later took a proctored test in Duluth.
“Derek took the certification due to his eagerness to advance in his career with us,” said Lance Wasniewski, technical and new products manager at Lexington. “Intensifying his project management skills through certification was the best step in achieving our goals. We are a growing company and his knowledge and training in effective project management will continue to allow Lexington Manufacturing to expand our product line and capabilities to serve new markets as well as expanded services for existing customers. That’s what our global customers anticipate out of 21st century manufacturing, and we’re excited to deliver it to the world from the Brainerd lakes area.”
Lexington Manufacturing has 35 years of experience manufacturing a multitude of engineered wood components for windows, doors, and other millwork and related industries, as well as fire-rated door components for the commercial and residential door industry. Lexington was established in 1981 and has facilities in Brainerd and Coon Rapids.
