WiMspiration Wednesday - Nikki Bakker
Date postedDecember 15, 2021
On #WiMspirationWednesday, we would like to highlight Nikki Bakker! Read to find out more about Nikki and why she is an inspiration.
About Nikki:
- Manufacturing career:
- I have been with Upsher-Smith for 7 years, in manufacturing for about 1.5 years. I did support operations for 2 years before this role as a business analyst.
- What inspires her:
- My family, I want to make them proud
- Helping others, knowing the work we do helps improve patient lives
- This quote from Abraham Lincoln – “whatever you are, be a good one”
- Having a to-do list keeps me focused, makes me feel accomplished and creates a way to surpass expectations
- Fun fact:
- My dog and I share a birthday
- Career accomplishments:
- I’ve saved Upsher-Smith $2 million dollars in failure-to-supply fees
- Helped implement a sales and operations planning process at Upsher-Smith
In 2019, Upsher-Smith Laboratories constructed its Pilot Plant—a site for manufacturing small batches of product that can be used for FDA submission and clinical purposes—and ever since its opening in 2020, Nikki Bakker has played a role in its day-to-day operations. As Sr. Production Planner, Nikki plans and schedules all manufacturing in the Pilot Plant, as well as oversees inventory management, some material handling, master data set-up, and order confirmations. As this is Nikki’s first role in a manufacturing/operations position—she started at Upsher-Smith in Finance, then moved to Commercial Analytics—she sought out WiM because she felt it would be a good resource to learn more about her new field and better prepare for the latest step in her career; however, was also attracted to some of the additional opportunities the organization offers, from networking to professional development. “I enjoy what I do because no two days are the same, and many times, it’s like putting together a puzzle,” says Nikki. “Though the Pilot Plant has been manufacturing for a year now, and many processes have already been established, there’s still so much more to do, and that’s what keeps me interested. I’m looking forward to WiM being a part of my journey.”
"Though the Pilot Plant has been manufacturing for a year now, and many processes have already been established, there’s still so much more to do, and that’s what keeps me interested. I’m looking forward to WiM being a part of my journey.”
- Nikki Bakker
Contact nisenberg@womeninmfg.org to suggest our next WiMspiration!