ARCH Cutting Tools is pleased to announce and to welcome Brian Barlow as General Manager – ARCH Cutting Tools Rhode Island. Brian is responsible for the overall business and production operations at the ARCH Cutting Tools Smithfield, Rhode Island manufacturing facility. The plant invested in a 1,000 square foot expansion/modernization in January 2019 that included new machining centers that increase capacity and reduce customer lead times.
Brian 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. Brian also has proven his leadership capabilities in R&D, new product development, sales, marketing, and quality management throughout his career.
Earlier in his career, he has 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. Brian has also held leadership positions in business development in the medical, automotive and the automotive and aerospace markets.
Brian 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,” Brian says. “We have the people, the tools and the facility to deliver the best for our customers and to be industry leaders.”