Meet Mike King
Mike King joined Federal Foam in April 2024 as Engineering Supervisor at the company’s Northwood, IA plant. Mike oversees a team of five direct engineering reports with diverse expertise across process technology, methods engineering, manufacturing engineering, and methods analysis engineering.
In his first year, he has taken the lead in managing troubleshooting efforts and new part launches for customers. Although he’s only been with the company for a short time, Mike’s impact is already being felt as he drives key changes and helps streamline engineering and manufacturing operations.
“I love how each day brings unique challenges,” Mike says. “I’m always problem solving and using my critical thinking skills to help us be better and a leading fabricator in foam and plastics.”
Mike’s Journey to Federal Foam Technologies
With a degree in Engineering Technology from Ferris State University, Mike began his career at an injection molding company in program management where he led projects all the way through design, tooling, purchasing, prototyping and launch. While there, he had the opportunity to work on projects for premier automaker Volkswagen and traveled to the company’s plant in Tennessee to evaluate how parts were fitting during prototype builds. After getting married, Mike and his wife returned to the Midwest to be closer to family, and he started a new role at an automation company, continuing his work in program management.
After a few years at his prior role, Mike sought a new opportunity that would keep him in the Midwest for the long term. Through a connection with the former engineering supervisor of Federal Foam’s Northwood plant, Mike applied for the role.
“With the demands at my former job changing and a new baby on the way, the move to FFT was exactly what I needed to still have the professional challenge I desired and the balance for my family life,” Mike says.
A Career Move Worth the Reward
Unlike his previous program management positions, which were focused on the front-end part launch activities, his current role deals more with the individual parts and the fabrication details. While the day-to-day involves less customer-facing work, he still participates in weekly meetings with customers to ensure smooth communication and project execution.
One of his most rewarding projects has been working toward Single Minute Exchange of Die (SMED) to streamline tooling and forming operations. He also tackles a range of customer issues—whether it’s correcting product designs, swapping materials, or implementing tools that improve operators’ jobs on the floor. An example of Mike’s problem-solving expertise: After a customer reported that gaskets weren’t properly adhering to a substrate, he and his team member, Sedrick, designed a tool that spring loaded the gaskets to ensure proper adherence.
Working at Federal Foam allows him to bring his leadership front and center to drive continuous improvement, with opportunities for growth. “I’m amazed at the growth opportunities afforded me in my role and those on my team. If you want to expand your knowledge and learn, the company is always willing to support and guide you.”
A Personal Connection
Outside of work, Mike enjoys spending time with his family, including his wife and in-laws, who are farmers. In the spring and fall, he helps on the farm. He also enjoys snowmobiling, a hobby that connects him to his roots growing up in Michigan. Fishing is another pastime he loves.
Mike values his work-life balance, something that’s hard to come by in many other industries.
“Unlike previous roles, where I was always on call, people at FFT respect after-work hours and when you take vacation, which helps me stay energized.”
Why Work at Federal Foam Technologies
If you’re looking for a place to grow in your career with a healthy work-life balance, FFT is an excellent choice.
“The company invests in its people, offering ample opportunities for training and advancement,” Mike says. “With the culture of development and support, FFT is a great place to build a fulfilling career.”
To check out our career opportunities, click here.
