Meet Mitchell Miller of Mauser Packaging Solutions in Fifth Ward

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mitchell Miller.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Mitchell. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My start in the corporate world was interesting to say the least. I graduated college in 2012 from Ohio University with a Degree in Political Science and a specialization in Foreign Policy and Economics. After college I worked temp jobs ranging from HH Gregg as a Customer Service Rep to JPMorgan Chase as a Project Analyst. In November of 2012, I was able to start my first full time job as an International Trade Analyst for Livingston International outside of Detroit, Michigan. The main focus of my role was supporting Ford Motor Company’s Material Planning & Logistics Division and the import of all their vehicles from all over the globe. After sometime in the Automotive and Supply Chain field, I wanted to pursue more of an Operations route and go to an industry that always intrigued me even as a kid and after many grueling interviews I finally got my chance to work in the field of Aerospace and Manufacturing for ALCOA Forgings in Cleveland, Ohio. Mind you, this was my first role in manufacturing so I had to adapt quickly, one could make the argument that I was “thrown in the fire” but I loved it. I was in a dual role that ranged from being a Continuous Improvement and Lean Specialist to a Supervisor in Operations managing over 30 Union Employees. This role catapulted my career and led to a higher position in the Aerospace and Manufacturing space working for a family owned Investment Casting Company (Hitchiner Manufacturing) in Southern New Hampshire where I was the Operational Excellence Leader reporting to the Vice President of Operations. In that particular role I lead the charge as a “Change Agent” and implementing new ways of working and thinking from a Lean and Continuous Improvement perspective and improving output, reducing lead times and improving deliveries to the company’s top customers such as Pratt & Whitney Aerospace, GE Aviation and Rolls Royce Aviation. As I continued to grow in my career so did my opportunities to work in new industries, after a near two-year stint in Southern New Hampshire working for Hitchiner Manufacturing I was able to step outside my comfort zone and work in a more corporate setting for National Grid Utility outside of Boston, Massachusetts. In this role, I supported National Grids Procurement and Supply Chain division implementing a Lean Culture, improving end-to-end processes but overall focusing on the soft skills of Continuous Improvement and taking a step back from the analytical and push from bottom line savings. While all these roles were amazing and I worked for good companies, I was unhappy. For years I focused on financial gain and titles and not enjoying what I was doing in my career. I was also focused on the “what’s next” and not living for the moment. Having this realization, I was blessed with an opportunity that I could not pass up which led me to my current role as the Operations Manager for the world’s largest Steel Drum Manufacturer overseeing day to day production, continuous improvement and strategy for a 150,000 square foot facility and supporting the oil and gas sector. This is the longest I have been in any role in my career and I could not be happier. In this role, I am able to have a life outside of the office and be a part involved in the great city of Houston. I am an active member of Union Houston Church; I serve as an Assistant Regional Director for Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, Inc. and being a member of this great organization for over 10 years. I complete across the country and here locally in Spartan Races, Marathons and Obstacle Racing Events to push my mind, body and spirit to new limits. I also work as a Consultant for Houston Community College and their Corporate College part time. I am able to do these amazing things because of the work ethic and drive instilled in me by my amazing parents. I owe them everything. They taught me challenge the status quo, never settle and to live life to the fullest. I just turned 30, this is just the beginning for me, and I could not be more ecstatic for what new challenges lie ahead.

Has it been a smooth road?
My journey was by no means smooth or a simple one. When working for Livingston International, I had to commute 100 miles one way every day and I accumulated over 1,000 miles a week alone just for work. My job was located in Southfield, Michigan (outside of Detroit) and I stayed with my grandfather who lives in Marshall, MI (West Side of Michigan) at the time due to not being able to afford an apartment and needing to save money. My first job in manufacturing in Cleveland, Ohio I worked 100-hour weeks and at times 16-hour days that would start at 2:00 A.M. and did not end until 5-6 P.M. In my role now I still have moments where I’m called in to the plant at one or two A.M. and have to work the 14 to 16 hour day but in this role I love what I do and the impact I make for the business. These obstacles taught me to be humble, be thankful for the blessings in my life and that hard work truly does pay off.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Mauser Packaging Solutions story. Tell us more about the business.
The company I work for produces steel drums and containers for business all across the globe. Over 70% of our business supports the oil and gas, chemical and lubricant sector. We also supply the pharmaceutical and agricultural sector. What I am proud of most for the company I work for is our push for environmental sustainability while being world class in OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) and having the best quality, delivery of our product. My direct boss and the Vice President of Operations are the epitome of excellent business leaders, the continue manage through business headwinds, grow the facility year over year all while taking care of the people who make it happen. What set us apart from our competition is our leadership and workforce. This year we are on pace to make 3.5 million units, no other competitor in the world comes close.

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I see little to minor disruption in our industry over the next 5-10 years. The only changes I foresee will be the continued push into automation, balancing the cost of steel tariffs and becoming more environmentally conscientious and balancing demand as we shift from fossil fuels to more of alternative energy driven economy.

Contact Info: 

• Phone: 346-237-1570
• Email: mitch.miller@mauserpackaging.com