I help manufacturers substantially increase production and simplify operations through Theory of Constraints, practical automation, and process architecture.

As Founder & Principal of Propel Manufacturing Consulting, I bring a holistic manufacturing perspective shaped by experience across startups, Fortune 500 companies, international projects, and complex manufacturing environments. I partner with organizations to build the systems, capabilities, and processes needed to increase production and simplify operations.

My operations, manufacturing technology, leadership, and business experience come from my time at a highly automated DuPont plant (formerly Dow Chemical), where I served as a production engineer, manufacturing technology engineer, and global operations project manager. As global operations project manager, I helped integrate operations and manufacturing technology across newly acquired businesses. Additionally, I chaired the local Young Professionals Network.

I was first exposed to custom automation during my time at Perbix Machine Company (now part of Tesla) where I concepted, prototyped, designed and built custom automation equipment for a wide range of industries including medical, mining, industrial and consumer goods. Previously, I worked in the engineering department at Sappi Paper Mill which focused on intensive mechanical design in heavy industry.

I’ve always had a knack for making things work and bringing people together, leading me to earn my Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Minnesota – Duluth while serving as President of a multi-discipline engineering group. My global perspective is shaped by living, working, and traveling in over 35 countries.

Based in Minnesota, I enjoy the outdoors and traveling with my daughters.

Key achievements include:

• Led the development and startup of a membrane manufacturing facility, including facility layout, equipment procurement, international OEM coordination, equipment installation, and operational readiness.

• Safely led technical team to improve output by 15% from prior year on a $35MM/yr asset by aligning the team around key operational constraints, mitigating obstacles, and enabling/training operators and support staff.
  
  
• Strong understanding of international cultures and technical skillset led to successfully assisting in the start-up of multiple $5MM assets in Saudi Arabia and training technical staff which resulted in improved safety, 20% yield improvement and increased machine reliability.
  
  
• Led raw material qualification of a second source that is critical for manufacturing $400MM+ product line, resulting in 50% cost reduction and improved supply reliability.
  
  
• Led process qualifications for external manufacturing of a $30MM/yr product line and corresponding equipment qualifications to support full volume shift.
  
  
• Guided over 20 departments through a novel approach to launch an unprecedented, successful product offering.
  
  
• At the age of 21, successfully reverse-engineered multi-million dollar components on two distinct systems to deliver savings of $100,000+ each while earning company-wide accolades.
  

Sue Mecham, PhD
CEO & Co-Founder

Max led a facility development and build-out project for NALA Membranes to put our first membrane manufacturing facility in place in North Carolina. It was a challenging project with aggressive timelines and deliverables from the start that included key international vendors for large industrial equipment. NALA is a startup with minimal financial and manpower resources. Max was able to integrate himself within our team and added stakeholders to manage and deliver this challenging project successfully.

Max managed all communications and project documentation and assigned tasks and followed up to make sure things got done. He managed handling, shipping, storage, and installation of 25 tons of industrial equipment at our NC site, mostly remotely but traveled to the site as needed for specific milestones and monitoring.

I found Max to be flexible, communicative, supportive, and smart regarding technical, operational, and business tasks and goals. Working with Max was a positive experience for our whole team. He became an important member of our team during the project and we plan to work with him again in the future.  

Evan Buell & Robert Rodriguez
General Manager & Process Engineer

We had the privilege to work with Max Fadeyev during a period of operational change, and his support was both practical and impactful. Max brings a knowledge of manufacturing automation and process improvement, and he applies it in a way that’s grounded, collaborative, and focused on real-world results.

He spent meaningful time with our operators and technicians to understand our equipment and workflows firsthand. He also helped guide broader organizational alignment by leading town hall discussions that clearly communicated our operating strategy and culture, followed by individual conversations to reinforce understanding across the team. His documentation was thorough and actionable, providing a strong foundation for sustained improvements.

Max approaches his work with a clear business mindset, looking for ways to improve performance using existing assets rather than defaulting to new capital investment. He was also flexible and responsive, always available for a call or to visit our facility when needed.

We recommend Max and Propel Manufacturing to any organization looking to strengthen their operations and implement practical, people-centered improvements that support automation and long-term efficiency.

Sohail Qamar
Senior Vice President – Manufacturing & Operations

I have known Max Fadeyev for over a decade, and it has been a pleasure to collaborate with him on numerous projects throughout the years. Max is a dedicated professional with a remarkable ability to solve complex problems. As a skilled listener, he excels in building strong connections and working effectively with others. His extensive experience in manufacturing, technology, and operations is matched by his deep passion for achieving operational excellence. Max will be an invaluable partner for any organization seeking transformative change.

Caleb Funk
R&D Laureate

Max is a unique engineer that combines unwavering reliability, clear communication, level-headedness, and big-picture thinking. As a leader, he has a reputation for getting things done right – not just getting them done – guiding complex projects with strong technical insight and stakeholder-focused decision-making. It has genuinely been a pleasure to work with Max.