An interview with Jim Racco, AMS’ new Manager of Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement

I recently sat down with Jim Racco, AMS’ new Manager of Operational Excellence and Continuous improvement to learn more about what AMS is doing to continually improve and stay on the cutting-edge of the metal industry. Here is a sneak peek into our conversation and how AMS is planning to make the future bright.

Racco is a metalworking industry veteran who brings diverse experience and a history of managing and helping companies with their continuous improvement efforts. He has over 30 years of professional experience in various roles such as a Controller, Scheduler Planner, Production Manager, Plant Manager, Operations Manager, General Manager, GM of Operational Excellence and even as the President of two companies.

Racco graduated from the University of Akron and then post-graduate schooling at Florida Atlantic University. His experience includes processes such as castings, welding and fabrication, machining, punching, bending, forming, grating products, galvanizing and tool and die. He has manufactured products for aerospace, automotive, medical, food, hand tool, tube and pipe and general industrial and commercial customers using alloys ranging from carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, zinc, brass, bronze and copper, among other metals.

Racco has spent his career focused on managing processes and personnel and their ongoing continuous improvements to provide customers a consistent, cost efficient and quality product. His self-described role is to work with AMS’ personnel to “identify improvement opportunities and then take the steps necessary to execute and make them happen.”

“If we can identify areas for improvement and understand employees’ problems and concerns, then we can remove obstacles, improve processes and help them do a better job,” Racco said. “Our customers will see a more consistent, repeatable and dependable product provided to them on time and meets their quality and cost requirements.”

Racco believes that AMS’ future is bright and AMS will continue to expand its role as an industry leader.



“I see AMS expanding as a leader in the industry for custom fabrication work. We will maintain and even grow with our current customers and markets. We will also expand to new customers and markets, to those seeking highly qualified suppliers to meet their quality, delivery and cost requirements.” Racco said. “AMS’ ownership and personnel are dedicated and committed to doing a great job. They care about working together, meeting the customers’ requirements and cooperating for success.”