ARCH Cutting Tools announced that Brian Barlow has been named general manager, ARCH Cutting Tools Rhode Island, based in Smithfield. He is responsible for the overall business and production operations at the ARCH Cutting Tools Smithfield manufacturing facility. The plant invested in a 1,000-sq.-ft. expansion/modernization in January 2019 that included new machining centers that increase capacity and reduce customer lead times.
Barlow brings nearly 40 years of industry experience to his role. He is a veteran manufacturing leader experienced in lean manufacturing principles, strategic planning and customer-focused performance. He also has proven his leadership capabilities in R&D, new product development, sales, marketing, and quality management throughout his career, according to ARCH Cutting Tools.
Earlier in his career, he served as a manufacturing manager, group manager – manufacturing, and director of manufacturing at several noted U.S. manufacturing companies. His industry and market insights are diverse as well. Barlow has also held leadership positions in business development in the medical, automotive and the automotive and aerospace markets.
Barlow graduated from Derby College (UK), Mechanical Engineering – City and Guilds of London, and holds a Process Improvement Certificate from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. He also has completed Quality Management Systems training, New Product Validation & Process Validation, as well as 5S and Lean certification.
“I look forward to putting my experience to work at ARCH Cutting Tools – Rhode Island,” said Barlow. “We have the people, the tools and the facility to deliver the best for our customers and to be industry leaders.”
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