Michael J Herrell
Rogersville,TN
Summary
Results-driven Manufacturing Supervisor with expertise in tool and die, CNC programming, fabrication, and quality control. Demonstrates strong leadership and problem-solving skills to enhance safety, efficiency, and product quality. Experienced in project management and team collaboration, with a solid foundation in technology roles including software development and system administration. Committed to continuous improvement and adapting to industry trends to drive organizational success.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Machine Shop / Fabricator Supervisor
Tri City Extrusion
Bristol, Tennessee
08.2023 - Current
- Fabricated and installed custom metal shop components from blueprints and drawings.
- Fabricated aluminum parts for extrusion shop orders
- Assembled structural steel components for a variety of applications, including buildings, bridges, and other structures.
- Cut raw materials to specified dimensions using saws and shop equipment. with saws and shop equipment
- Read blueprints and followed fabrication drawings
- Inspected finished parts for fit and surface quality
- Operated shop machinery including CNC Mills, CNC Saws, CNC Lathes, drill presses, lathes, mills and other related equipment.
- Trained new employees in safe operation of shop machinery and adherence to safety protocols.
- Developed streamlined processes that increased shop floor productivity.
- Troubleshot problems in the fabrication process while identifying solutions to improve efficiency.
- Coordinated with suppliers to obtain necessary materials for projects within budget constraints.
- Maintained accurate records of all shop activities in accordance with company policies.
- Followed Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations to promote safe work environment.
- Collaborated with supervisors to create cost-effective solutions aligned with customer specifications.
Tool & Die Team Leader
ZF Friedrichshafen
Rogersville, TN
01.2009 - 11.2023
- Delivered 24 hr. programming and critical failure support for facility equipment, minimizing downtime.
- Streamlined tool room operations to optimize efficiency and reduce costs.
- Designed tooling and developed CNC cutting programs utilizing Autocad, Solidworks, and Mastercam.
- Trained toolroom employees on setup, programming, and maintenance of CNC lathes, mills, and grinders, enhancing skill levels and ensuring proper equipment usage.
- Ensured all materials were purchased and tooling was manufactured on-time to support the required timing and project schedules.
- Provided quotations for new tooling, tooling modifications, and repairs.
- Utilized knowledge of materials to ensure the proper material was selected for the desired application.
- Converted verbal rough ideals & sketches into the desired final products.
- Setup and operated heat treat furnaces for various steel types.
- Supported Production & Engineering to maintain continuous production.
- Supplied automotive steering racks to major clients including Ford, General Motors, Nissan, Volkswagen, and Chrysler.
- Led ZF Friedrichshafen production team through daily shift assignments and handovers.
- Monitored safety protocols across ZF Friedrichshafen manufacturing work areas.
- Coordinated quality checks for ZF Friedrichshafen parts and assemblies.
Tool & Die Maker
ZF Friedrichshafen
Rogersville, TN
01.2006 - 01.2009
- Programmed computer numerical control (CNC) machines.
- Utilized lathes, mills, and grinders to create precision tools, jigs, and fixtures for production needs.
- Designed, modified, and built fixtures, details, and pallets, improving manufacturing equipment functionality.
- Confirmed dimensional measurements of parts produced to ensure specification compliance.
- Confirmed part & assembly fits and determined the necessary adjustments.
- Assisted operators in efficiently removing broken parts from machinery to minimize downtime.
- Constructed gauges and hand tools.
- Performed necessary paperwork & documentation.
- (Supplier of automotive steering racks to Ford, General Motors, Nissan, Volkswagen, and Chrysler)
Quality Technician
ZF Friedrichshafen
Rogersville, TN
01.2003 - 01.2006
- Coordinated and directed the quality audit team.
- Developed and implemented programs which facilitate improved quality systems.
- Designed and implemented methods for sorting and repairing.
- Developed and implemented sort and repair procedures, securing necessary approvals.
- Conducted analysis and disposition of customer returns, providing detailed reports to inform corrective actions.
- Assisted with implementing new quality procedures including manual updates, new procedure training, and pilot running.
- Coordinated communications with work center personnel, management, customers, and suppliers to resolve issues and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Trained auditors and operators in use of new gauging, equipment, and DMR systems.
- Trained the tech team personnel regarding philosophy mechanics and expectations of quality systems audit program.
- Performed statistical studies and analyses and provided written reports.
- Developed audit systems for support functions.
- (Supplier of automotive steering racks to Ford, General Motors, Nissan, Volkswagen, and Chrysler)
Cutter Grind Technician
ZF Friedrichshafen
Rogersville, TN
01.1993 - 01.2003
- Selected, installed, and dressed abrasive wheels to achieve precise radii, taper, shape, rake, relief, and clearance angles for optimal cutting edge performance.
- Set-up & ground tools, spacers, fixtures, gauges, and reamers using various grind equipment.
- Cut-off and re-sharpened taps, drills, & broach tooling.
- Programmed and set up CNC equipment.
- Interpreted complex drawings and sequence of work layouts.
- Collaborated with engineering, supervision, and internal customers to troubleshoot issues and propose actionable improvements.
- (Supplier of automotive steering racks to Ford, General Motors, Nissan, Volkswagen, and Chrysler)
Education
Maintenance Service Certificate - Industrial Management
Phillips Maintenance Service Training
South Carolina05-2026
Certificate of Technical Studies - Information Technology
Machining Intelligently
Dallas, TX03-2026
Haas Advanced Mill Training Course - Information Technology
Phillips Service Training
South Carolina06-2025
Mastercam Training -
Phillips Training Center
Charlotte, NC07-2020
HAAS C.N.C. Vertical Machining Center Training Certificate -
Phillips Training Center
Charlotte, NC07-2010
Office of Apprenticeship Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship ~ Journeyman-Toolmaker -
Phiilips Training Center
Charlotte, NC07-2010
Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship ~ Journeyman Tool & Fixture Grinder -
Tennessee Technological University
Surgoinsville, TN09-1997
Technical Mathematics Certificate -
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TN01-1993
Tennessee State Board of Regents Diploma -
Tennessee Technology Center
Surgoinsville, TN07-1991
Tennessee State Board of Regents Certificate - Machine Set-Up Operator
Tennessee Technology Center
Surgoinsville, TN01-1990
Honors Diploma -
Hancock High School
Sneedville, TN05-1989
Skills
- Microsoft Office
- CNC Programming
- Furnace Heat Treatment
- Mastercam
- Autocad
- Solidworks
- Rockwell Hardness Testing
- Precision Gauge Instruments
- Optical Comparator
- CNC operations
- Mastercam design
- Blueprint reading
- Precision measurement
- Tool and die fabrication
- Equipment maintenance
- Quality inspection
- Industrial safety
- Team training
- Metal joining techniques
- Precision cutting
- Sheet metal work
- Grinding and polishing
- Computer-aided design
- Blueprint interpretation
- Layout planning
- Production scheduling
- Machine setup
- Metal fabrication
- Training and mentoring
- Safety procedures
- Analytical problem-solving
- Welding
- Repair work
- Welding inspection
- Metal grinding
- Effective communication
- Problem analysis
- Machine maintenance
- Heat treating
- Organizational skills
- Welding fabrication
- Blueprint specifications
- Teamwork
- Metal identification
- Effective communication
OTHER
- Hawkins County Commissioner
- Small Business Owner (Machine & Fabrication Shop)
- TSSAA High School Referee
- TCSA State Budget Committee
- TCSA State Veteran CommitteeAble to perform work in both Metric and English units
Timeline
Machine Shop / Fabricator Supervisor
Tri City Extrusion
08.2023 - Current
Tool & Die Team Leader
ZF Friedrichshafen
01.2009 - 11.2023
Tool & Die Maker
ZF Friedrichshafen
01.2006 - 01.2009
Quality Technician
ZF Friedrichshafen
01.2003 - 01.2006
Cutter Grind Technician
ZF Friedrichshafen
01.1993 - 01.2003
Maintenance Service Certificate - Industrial Management
Phillips Maintenance Service Training
Certificate of Technical Studies - Information Technology
Machining Intelligently
Haas Advanced Mill Training Course - Information Technology
Phillips Service Training
Mastercam Training -
Phillips Training Center
HAAS C.N.C. Vertical Machining Center Training Certificate -
Phillips Training Center
Office of Apprenticeship Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship ~ Journeyman-Toolmaker -
Phiilips Training Center
Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship ~ Journeyman Tool & Fixture Grinder -
Tennessee Technological University
Technical Mathematics Certificate -
East Tennessee State University
Tennessee State Board of Regents Diploma -
Tennessee Technology Center
Tennessee State Board of Regents Certificate - Machine Set-Up Operator
Tennessee Technology Center
Honors Diploma -
Hancock High School