MICHAEL A. MILLS
West Warwick,RI
Summary
Dynamic Manufacturing and Operations Leader with over 20 years of expertise in enhancing performance, profitability, and process optimization within CNC-based production environments. Proven ability to scale operations, manage margins, and lead cross-functional teams to consistently surpass production, quality, and delivery objectives. Achievements include driving revenue growth from $1M to $2.2M in less than two years, reducing scrap by over 85%, and executing capital investments exceeding $250K with measurable ROI. Recognized for cultivating high-performing teams, implementing automation strategies, and aligning operational execution with overarching business goals while adeptly navigating both strategic initiatives and shop floor activities.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Operations & Process Improvement Specialist
SENIOR METAL BELLOWS
10.2025 - Current
- Support high-precision manufacturing operations through advanced CNC machining and process optimization.
- Partner with leadership to improve manufacturability, reduce cycle time, and increase operational efficiency.
- Identify automation and workflow improvements to enhance throughput and reduce bottlenecks.
- Lead troubleshooting efforts and implement corrective actions to support production continuity.
CNC Technical Specialist (Operations Support)
COLONIAL MACHINE TOOL
07.2024 - 10.2025
- Supported production execution and scheduling through CNC programming and setup optimization.
- Improved throughput and part consistency by refining tooling and machining strategies.
- Collaborated with leadership to meet customer delivery requirements and quality standards.
Manufacturing Manager (Promoted From Machine Shop Foreman)
RED HED MANUFACTURING
01.2006 - 07.2024
- Led operations for a 5,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility with 20 machines and multi-department capabilities (machining, welding, grinding, assembly, testing, quality).
- Managed production team (4 direct, 6 total personnel) and full production scheduling across all operations.
- Held responsibility for $1M–$2.2M annual revenue with direct ownership of margins and cost performance.
- Reported to General Manager with executive-level visibility to COO.
- Operational & Financial Impact
- Scaled revenue from ~$1M to $2.2M in under two years through process optimization, pricing strategy, and operational improvements.
- Reduced scrap from ~15% to
- Improved inventory utilization and turnover by restructuring $560K in inventory into performance-based A–D classifications.
- Increased production output by 150% (500 → 1,500 units/year) through automation and process improvements without increasing labor costs.
- Leadership & Team Development
- Rebuilt and led a cross-functional production team across machining, welding, assembly, and quality functions.
- Held full hiring and termination authority; conducted performance reviews, disciplinary actions, and wage recommendations.
- Implemented performance-based incentive programs tied to productivity and operational impact.
- Improved shop culture by establishing accountability, skill development, and knowledge-sharing systems.
- Operations & Execution
- Managed full production scheduling, capacity planning, and workflow across all departments.
- Utilized MRP systems to coordinate materials, production timing, and delivery commitments.
- Tracked and improved KPIs including cost per part, machine uptime, scrap rate, and inventory turnover.
- Maintained on-time delivery performance for both scheduled and high-priority customer orders.
- Automation & Continuous Improvement
- Led design, implementation, and deployment of FANUC robotic automation cell.
- Increased machine uptime from ~40% to 60% while improving throughput without additional labor.
- Executed $250K+ capital investment projects delivering approximately $1M in revenue growth.
- Developed digital program library and off-site backup system to preserve legacy part data and improve operational continuity.
- Safety, Quality & Maintenance
- Maintained zero major safety incidents over a 7-year period through enforcement of safety standards and procedures.
- Oversaw preventive maintenance programs for manual and CNC equipment to ensure uptime and reliability.
- Supported internal audits and maintained compliance with company safety and operational policies.
- Strategic & Business Contributions
- Led capital equipment selection, vendor negotiations, and ROI justification.
- Participated in quoting, pricing strategy, and customer engagement to support revenue growth.
- Collaborated with leadership to align production capacity with customer demand and long-term business objectives.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - MIG, Stick, Oxy-Acetylene
Community College of Rhode Island
Warwick, RISkills
- P&L Ownership
- Manufacturing Operations
- Plant Leadership
- Capacity Planning
- Production Scheduling
- Lean Manufacturing
- Continuous Improvement
- Automation Strategy
- Team Development & Performance Management
- Safety & Compliance
- Capital Equipment & ROI Analysis
- Process Optimization
- CNC Operations
- FANUC Robotics
- Haas Controls
- Mori Seiki MAPPS
- Fusion 360
- Mastercam
- SolidWorks
- AS-400 / MRP Systems
- Manufacturing technologies
- Process Engineering
Timeline
Operations & Process Improvement Specialist
SENIOR METAL BELLOWS
10.2025 - Current
CNC Technical Specialist (Operations Support)
COLONIAL MACHINE TOOL
07.2024 - 10.2025
Manufacturing Manager (Promoted From Machine Shop Foreman)
RED HED MANUFACTURING
01.2006 - 07.2024
Some College (No Degree) - MIG, Stick, Oxy-Acetylene
Community College of Rhode Island