ARCH Cutting Tools names Brian Barlow as general manager at ARCH Cutting Tools – Rhode Island. Barlow 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-sq.-ft. expansion/modernization in January 2019 that included new machining centers to 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. Barlow 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 – manufacturin, 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 aerospace markets.
Barkiw graduated from Derby College (U.K.), 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 and process validation, as well as 5S and lean certification.
“I look forward to putting my experience to work at ARCH Cutting Tools – Rhode Island,” Barlow said. “We have the people, the tools and the facility to deliver the best for our customers and to be industry leaders.”
Related Glossary Terms
- centers
centers
Cone-shaped pins that support a workpiece by one or two ends during machining. The centers fit into holes drilled in the workpiece ends. Centers that turn with the workpiece are called “live” centers; those that do not are called “dead” centers.
- lean manufacturing
lean manufacturing
Companywide culture of continuous improvement, waste reduction and minimal inventory as practiced by individuals in every aspect of the business.