Michael Keller
Hendersonville
Summary
To have the opportunity to work within an evolving company where I am given the ability to show my full potential, as well as, have advancement options available within a company, as I always strive to continue to move forward in my career. Detail-oriented production operator with expertise in machinery operation and quality control. Proven track record in monitoring production processes, ensuring compliance with standards, and enhancing workflow efficiency. Committed to continuous improvement and team collaboration to achieve organizational goals.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Production Operator
US Smokeless Tobacco
Nashville
12.2025 - Current
- Operated machinery to produce smokeless tobacco products efficiently.
- Monitored production processes, verifying compliance with quality standards for consistent output.
- Inspected finished goods for defects prior to packaging or shipping out to customers.
- Conducted routine inspections of equipment, identifying potential issues to prevent downtime.
- Troubleshot issues with machines and made repairs.
- Adjusted machine settings to meet customer specifications for product size or shape.
- Participated in continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste and improve product quality.
- Setup and adjusted machines for daily operations.
- Set up and tended equipment with machine operators to complete runs.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline workflow and enhance productivity.
- Ensured cleanliness and organization of production areas to support efficient operations.
- Followed detailed instructions for operating complex manufacturing equipment in a safe manner.
- Recognized defective material and reported issues to management.
- Documented production activities accurately for compliance and reporting purposes.
- Maintained accurate logs and records of production output, quality control tests, and other related activities.
- Complied with all relevant health and safety regulations while performing job duties.
- Performed regular inspections of production machinery to ensure optimal performance.
- Identified and resolved operational issues with the assistance of maintenance personnel.
- Monitored inventory levels and notified appropriate personnel when restocking was needed.
- Reviewed job specifications to properly set up machines.
- Operated heavy machinery such as forklifts, pallet jacks, cranes. to move materials around the facility safely.
- Setup and adjusted machines for daily operations.
- Operated heavy machinery such as forklifts, pallet jacks, cranes. to move materials around the facility safely.
QA Supervisor
AkzoNobel
02.2018 - 11.2025
- Coordinates all Quality Control resources to ensure internal and external customer needs are met
- Ensured processes and standards adhered to by Quality Control hourly employees, managing escalation for RFT and adjustments/hits exceeding optimal levels
- Promoted quality system within team, ensuring familiarity with philosophy, quality statement, quality manual, and procedures
- Supported customer and internal audits, ensuring team compliance with implemented quality standards and systems
- Manages the processes related to the raw materials and final batch testing of all relevant products by using standard (quality) procedures to meet specifications
- Maintained overall lab testing efficiency and established testing standards while aligning with the FIFO philosophy of prioritizing sample testing.
- Actively deploys ALPS foundations and ALPS Quality Management primary processes, with high priority. Promotes the quality philosophy throughout the organization by setting a positive example and positively participating in cross-functional problem-solving activities
- Ensures that technical information is maintained, and verification/ calibration procedures are in place
- Liaises with Research, Development and Innovation to ensure New Product Introduction procedures are followed
- Is familiar and complies with all the applicable corporate as well as site and laboratory policies/procedures with regard to personal conduct, HSE and Product Safety and Regulatory Affairs (PSRA) standards
- Upholds company policy and company expectations with compliance and behavior that make a positive contribution to performance and operation of the business
- Ability to embrace and champion the dynamics of constant change throughout the organization and operations
- Maintains guidance to hourly employees and develop employees toward improved performance
- Understands Collective bargaining agreement for union contract, remaining compliant with contract and managing employee issues or need for discipline per the collective bargaining agreement
- Supported Site Quality Manager with project coordination to enhance operational efficiency.
Production
AkzoNobel
10.2016 - 02.2018
- Ensure all production machines are running efficiently and correctly
- Checking each order form to ensure that the orders being made are accurate
- Working on any machines that are not running properly and making sure they are fixed and running in a timely manner
- Breaking down and cleaning all machines used at end of day and guaranteeing the next shift has everything provided to start
- Packaging and Palletizing: Package and palletize finished products into boxes, drums, gaylords, and supersacks ranging from 15 lbs to 2000 lbs.
- Equipment Cleaning: Clean grinders, extruders, testing equipment, and charging equipment.
- Material Handling: Load and blend dry materials.
- Machine Operation: Operate grinder and extruder production lines.
- Forklift Operation: Operate a forklift for material handling.
- Floor Scrubber Operation: Operate a floor scrubber for cleaning.
- Sampling: Take samples of raw materials and finished products.
- Data Recording: Record batch variables and log data accurately.
- Safety: Perform all tasks safely and injury-free. Actively participate in improving department and plant safety.
- Compliance: Follow ISO 14001 procedures and environmental requirements.
- Training and Participation: Attend and participate in plant programs, committees, and training sessions as required.
- Other duties as assigned.
Shift Leader
Calsonic Kansei
05.2014 - 10.2016
- Maintained efficient line operations to meet Nissan production targets
- Monitored unit quotas each work period to ensure compliance
- Ensure technicians are doing their jobs safely, effectively, and correctly
- Motivated employees to perform at their best in all aspects of their roles
- Repair any unit that has defects on and off the line to assure there is no pause in production
- Know supervisory duties so that I may fill such position if supervisor is out for the day
- Obtain any and all certifications that come with training classes i.e. supervisor training, forklift training, leadership training etc.
Material Handler/ Warehouse Leader
Hospital corporation of America (HCA)
04.2007 - 03.2014
- Unload returned product from distribution trucks
- Replenish picking locations i.e. stock
- Process customer orders and documents for shipment and pack such orders
- Load pallets onto outbound trucks for distribution
- Continuously keep receiving area and stocking area clean, organized, and free of hazard and obstruction
- Maintain effective team leader skills and communication with all employees being guided by myself
- Maintain effective communication with supervisors in regards to out of stock items and any other issues within the warehouse
- Rotate inventory stock when needed
- Perform inventory count of entire warehouse during semi-annual routine inventory evaluations
Shift Leader
DAS
08.2004 - 04.2007
- Online and offline repair technician for truck line within Nissan
- Developed daily employee schedules to optimize workforce allocation
- Stocked production line with required parts to ensure smooth operations
- Operated forklift to transport materials within the warehouse
- Ensured line efficiency aligned with operations of other Nissan lines
- Assured quota numbers were met daily and all technicians stayed on task
- Trained technicians on safe and proper operation of each job within the line
Education
Diploma -
John Overton HighSchool
Nashville, TN01-2004
Skills
- Equipment operation
- Machine operations
- Basic machine operation
- Product assembly
- Material handling
- Production scheduling
- Production line efficiency
- Quality control
- Troubleshooting machinery
- Process optimization
- Continuous improvement
- Continuous improvement mindset
- Safety awareness
- Data recording
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Problem solving
- Team leadership
- Attention to detail
Timeline
Production Operator
US Smokeless Tobacco
12.2025 - Current
QA Supervisor
AkzoNobel
02.2018 - 11.2025
Production
AkzoNobel
10.2016 - 02.2018
Shift Leader
Calsonic Kansei
05.2014 - 10.2016
Material Handler/ Warehouse Leader
Hospital corporation of America (HCA)
04.2007 - 03.2014
Shift Leader
DAS
08.2004 - 04.2007
Diploma -
John Overton HighSchool