Francisco Gonzalez is GENEDGE’s Deputy MEP Director, providing operational and strategic support while leading the organization’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership program statewide. He oversees day-to-day operations of the MEP Center, manages and mentors a team of business advisors and subject matter experts, and maintains a statewide network of partners to ensure high-quality service delivery to Virginia’s manufacturers. Francisco plays a key role in the execution of GENEDGE’s operational plans, promotes advanced manufacturing, operational excellence and supports the development of new programs and services aligned with client needs and industry trends.
Prior to joining GENEDGE, Francisco spent over two decades in progressively senior technical and executive roles within the automotive industry, most recently as Vice President of Technology for the Commercial Vehicle Business Unit at Metalsa, a $2.6 billion Tier 1 supplier of structural components. There, he led global technology strategy, managed multimillion-dollar R&D portfolios, and directed cross-continental engineering teams, driving innovation initiatives that improved the company’s manufacturing performance and long-tern sustainability.
With a +25-year career in the automotive industry, he defines his core mission as “to provide strategic guidance and drive to technical teams and business leaders, so they can take decisive actions to turn innovative concepts into reality.” He brings a deep understanding of product and process technologies to help manufacturers across industries implement solutions that elevate performance, cost-effectiveness, safety, and environmental sustainability. Passionate about fostering a culture of creativity, experimentation, and collaboration.
Francisco earned his MS in Automotive Systems Engineering at the University of Michigan-Dearborn.