Expert Technical Solutions: Design, Development and Manufacturing
Seasoned Professionals with Decades of Industry Knowledge
Expert Technical Solutions: Design, Development and Manufacturing
Seasoned Professionals with Decades of Industry Knowledge
Our Team
John Brune
I grew up learning to be very hands-on, sharing my father’s automotive passions. Through him, I was fortunate to be introduced to many amazing people involved in all aspects of the industry: OE design and production, racing, engine and chassis builders, and restoration. I have enjoyed numerous car projects perhaps culminating with the hot rod restoration of a car my dad first purchased in 1953, a 1936 Chevy Coupe. A car which
was awarded second place in Custom Rod at Detroit’s Auto Rama. I held many technical part-time jobs before leaving for college, the last being an Engine Dyno Technician at Michigan Automotive Research in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Since College, I have garnered over 40 years of direct and detailed technical leadership, product design, product development, testing, manufacturing engineering, supplier development, and operations experience at a variety of OEM and supplier companies including: General Motors (AC Spark Plug Division, Pontiac Motor, CPC) Ford Motor Company, Toyota, Eaton Corporation, GT Technologies, Michigan Automotive Research, and Elgin Industries.
Significant accomplishments include:
- Development of high pressure in-tank roller vane fuel pump with unique porting scheme to significantly improve pressure and flow with more cost effective manufacturing tolerances. These design elements resulted in a Patent
- Development of OHC version of Pontiac 2.5L engine that maximized the use of existing capital and offered improvements in performance and NVH. Results prompted a visit by the then current President of GM, James McDonald and program consideration
- Years of advanced valvetrain development experience culminating in a number of variable valve actuation patents and application. First fully electric variable cam phaser in production
- First local North American Staff hired by the Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, MI. Responsible for outfitting the powertrain lab including specification and purchase of engine dyno facilities and department staffing. Developed North American engine parts suppliers for most all engine components across two engine platforms. Traveled extensively to suppliers to convey Toyota expectations and standards.
- Change agent at Ford Motor Company to drive necessary improvements in engine oil consumption across multiple engine platforms. Most significantly very directly implemented design actions to deliver the significant improvements necessary for meeting PZEV emissions required for vehicle sales in California. Completed pre-program build of 19 engines in 6 weeks for mileage accumulation and catalyst aging. This included directly managing design changes and parts delivery of a significant number of suppliers.
- Initiated and led the development and prototyping of all aluminum DOHC V10 while at Ford. Engine was considered for GT40 project. Showcased in a number of concept cars
- As VP of Engineering at GT Technologies, specified, built and staffed, state-of-the-art technical center to compete with other suppliers that were orders of magnitude larger in revenue. Awarded many new programs based on technical capabilities and innovative product solutions. Turned-over in excess of 150 million in sales. Secured many patents.
- Invested and participated in start-up developing nano grained alloys. Completed contracts for lightweight ammunition cases (aluminum), light alloy armor plate and aluminum connecting rods, among others.
Dennis Landis
My experience is broad and truly earned, having worked hands-on from the ground up. From a young age, I developed mechanical skills while working as a mechanic in auto and motorcycle shops before transitioning into the manufacturing industry. My journey began with an apprenticeship in a manufacturing product development center for the Tier 1 automotive parts supplier, GT Technologies. In this role, I gained firsthand experience in CNC machining, tool making, and complex metal forming operations. Through dedication, I have advanced to the director level, leading a diverse team of manufacturing design and development professionals.
My significant accomplishments include:
- Overseeing all phases of the expansion of the Manufacturing Product Development Center, including facilities, equipment, and staffing.This included integrating the latest CNC machining capabilities and state-of-the-art servo press technology
- Managing technical staff across both the development center and production facilities
- Leading efforts in tooling optimization and cost reduction initiatives
- Developing and maintaining technical standards for tooling purchases and maintenance
- Acting as a key leader in transferring new product manufacturing methods from development to production
- Specifying and managing large capital equipment purchases for new product programs
- Playing a critical role in institutionalizing structured problem-solving methods on the plant floor
- Conceiving and developing innovative forming and manufacturing techniques for patented product designs, leading to significant new business wins
Scott Smith
As a Michigan small town native whose family operated a small take-out business, my father taught me early on to make sure the customer always comes first and that everyone is treated with respect. I earned college degrees in Biology, Genetics, and Engineering. While going to school and after, I worked for 12 years as a medical emergency first responder and fireman. My automotive career has spanned over 30 years with experience at Eaton Corporation, Ford Motor Company, Jtekt/Koyo and GT Technologies. Through the extent of my career, my passion has remained valvetrain systems and structural modeling:
- Eaton Corporation - modeling valvetrain systems to assist in the development of robust engine components (e.g. valves, hydraulic lash adjusters, and rocker arms). Kinematic and quasi-static modeling was used to estimate system forces that could be coupled with finite element modeling to optimize the structures of valvetrain components
- Ford valvetrain component design and release
- Responsible for leading a group of engineers as the technical interface for new and current products to all GT Technologies customers
- Promoted to Director of Research and Development at GT Technologies
- Contributed significantly to the turn-over of many legacy products by developing new products, including patents, that are the major portion of GT Technologies revenue today
- Fortunate to have led a group of highly skilled individuals that are able to test, model and correlate valvetrain dynamics, finite element structural analysis and fatigue, as well as successfully utilize computational fluid dynamics for automotive and heavy duty OEM’s worldwide
What we can do for you
At BLS Technical Solutions, our goal is to deliver innovative solutions that enhance efficiency and drive success. We are committed to providing high-quality services that meet the unique needs of each client.