See how a people-first leadership approach is empowering teams to drive operational excellence and continuous improvement at our VPI Quality Windows facility.
As Plant Manager at JELD-WEN’s VPI Quality Windows Spokane facility, Ken Harrison leads with a clear belief that strong operations start with strong people. From safety and quality to innovation and sustainability, Ken is focused on fostering a plant culture where accountability, trust and continuous improvement drive long‑term success.
Leading a safety-first culture through clarity and trust
For Ken, safety on the plant floor goes far beyond rules and checklists; it’s a reflection of shared values and leadership behavior. “Safety has to start with leadership and show up in the decisions we make every day,” Ken says. At its core, safety is about empowering employees to make the right choices, even when no one is watching.
During challenging production periods or tight deadlines, Ken’s leadership approach is grounded in clarity and support. He prioritizes removing obstacles, staying close to the work and maintaining short, frequent check‑ins on the plant floor. Clear expectations and a shared definition of success help teams stay focused under pressure, while celebrating small wins helps build momentum, morale, and a strong safety culture.
Developing the next generation of leaders
Ken is intentional about identifying and developing future leaders within his plant. He looks for individuals who remain composed under pressure, demonstrate an ownership mindset, and earn trust through consistent performance.
“Strong leaders don’t need to be micromanaged,” Ken says. “They’re the ones you can trust to handle critical priorities, bring stability to the team, and do the right thing when it matters most.”
By fostering these qualities, Ken is helping build a strong leadership pipeline that supports long-term operational stability and growth.
Improving efficiency, quality, and long‑term performance
While still relatively new to the organization, Ken is already helping guide VPI Spokane through a significant project scheduled for completion in June. The initiative is expected to deliver meaningful efficiency improvements and reduce warranty claims, supporting operational excellence and customer satisfaction.
Quality, in Ken’s view, is non‑negotiable. He believes that when production demands compromise in quality, it signals an opportunity to improve the system. By prioritizing in‑process product and process audits instead of relying solely on final inspections, the team is working to ensure quality is built into every step of manufacturing.
What matters most
Ultimately, what motivates Ken most is developing people. “Helping team members grow and reach their potential is the most rewarding part of the job,” he says. “I was fortunate to have great mentors early in my career, and I see this as a way to pay that forward.”
Supported by a dedicated team across operations, EH&S, supply chain, and quality, Ken continues to balance the needs of employees, customers, and the business, living JELD-WEN’s values every day.