OPERATIONS LEADERSHIP PROGRAM (OLP)

The Operations Leadership Program (OLP) was introduced in 1984 with the immediate goal of improving our available manufacturing resources while simultaneously creating a pool of high-potential candidates for significant management positions. This process starts by recruiting candidates at select, targeted schools with highly regarded engineering programs. Candidates possess undergraduate or graduate degrees in mechanical, industrial or electrical engineering fields. Most have relevant manufacturing experience and have held leadership positions on campus. Candidates must also demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and a willingness to relocate.

The Operations Leadership Program is designed to build on the existing technical skills of participants by exposing them to experienced Cooper professionals through four six-month assignments in two locations. The four assignments are in the following areas: manufacturing engineering, materials management, MVP and plant supervision. In addition, participants may also gain exposure to assignments in the safety/environmental, quality and sourcing arenas.

Manufacturing Engineering
Manufacturing engineering assignments range from product design through shop-floor manufacturing support. Assignments require the ability to visualize how the product can be produced in the most logical, safe and cost-effective manner. Assignments may include the following:

• Participation on new product development teams
• Development of automation processes
• Design and procurement of equipment and tooling
• Improvement in the manufacturability of products
• Resolution of capacity and productivity issues
• Improvement of plant layouts and material flows
• Ergonomic assessment of new/existing manufacturing processes and development and implementation of engineering controls
• Participation in noise control or ventilation projects

Materials Management
The materials management assignment includes projects regarding raw materials and finished goods, purchasing, scheduling, logistics and inventory management. Assignments may include the following:

• Development of material flow and control plans
• Design of material optimization systems
• Integration of marketing requirements into manufacturing plans
• Development of production schedules
• Procurement and certification of vendors for goods and services
• Implementation or supervision of inventory management systems

Quality Assurance
The quest for quality is a critical element of Cooper's continued growth. This function requires the development and implementation of systems that assure product and process quality. Assignments in quality assurance may include the following:

• Development of product quality plans
• Development of automated testing and inspection procedures
• Procedures Implementation of statistical process control systems
• Design of testing and inspection equipment
• Preparation for ISO 9000 certification audits and recertification

Shop Supervision
The skilled manufacturing supervisor combines the latest manufacturing technology and trained personnel to produce a quality product, on time and at a competitive cost. The supervisor is in the middle of the action as a team-builder, facilitator and problem-solver. Assignments include the following:

• The supervision and training of employees
• Improvement of manufacturing practices
• Execution of production schedules
• Development and implementation of quality improvement plans
• Liaison between functional areas and line employees
• The discipline and rewarding of employees

Environmental Health & Safety
The safety and well being of Cooper employees is given the highest priority at our facilities. Assignments may include the following:

• Participation in Safety Evaluations
• Participation in an industrial hygiene survey
• Development of Job Safety Analysis, machine-specific lockout/tagout procedures or other safety and health risk assessment
• Participation in Safety Training and Safety and Health Leadership Workshops

OLP Workshops
As a supplement to the day-to-day experiences gained during the rotational assignments, the Company conducts four in-depth workshops for all OLP participants during their two years of training. These workshops are taught by experienced Cooper managers who provide insight on advanced manufacturing technologies and concepts, leadership, finance, and other manufacturing-related topics. Each workshop generally includes an interactive team case study. A summary of these workshops follows.

Values and Practices - An Introduction to Cooper Industries
The Values and Practices Workshop provides first-year program participants with an introduction to Cooper's operating principles and philosophies. Topics at this workshop include: operating budgets, capital programs, five-year strategic plans, a review of Cooper's Management Development and Planning program, health and safety issues, environmental compliance, information systems and employment policies. Individual skills such as time management, effective writing etiquette and leadership are also presented at this workshop. This workshop is conducted each August, shortly after the Development program participant joins the Company.

Manufacturing Excellence
The Manufacturing Excellence Workshop is presented at the end of the participant's second year. This workshop provides participants with a sound understanding of the major functions within the manufacturing environment at Cooper and further develops the individual's management and leadership skills. Manufacturing topics presented at this workshop include: production, quality, and materials management techniques. Skill based training includes supervisory and teamwork training, prevention skills management, and the Safety Training Observation Program (STOP). Participants integrate these skills through a comprehensive team case study and a plant tour of a Cooper manufacturing facility.

Finance for Non-Financial Managers
The Finance for Non-Financial Managers Workshop is conducted the second year of the Development program and provides in depth exposure to Cooper's financial systems and practices. The workshop begins by covering general accounting concepts and continues through Cooper's approach to cash flow, cash decision making, operational budgeting and performance reporting. The course is taught by key financial professionals from the Corporate Office. Newly acquired financial skills are then integrated together through the use of a team case study and group presentation.