Meet the Maker Brad Keller

At Milliken, the dedication and expertise of our associates form the foundation of our success. We’re spotlighting the resilient individuals behind our products, who carry forward a proud history of excellence and commitment in manufacturing. Today, we highlight Brad Keller, a Plant Supply Chain Manager at the Limestone Plant, whose 24 years of service stand as a testament to his loyalty, expertise, and people-first approach.

A Legacy of Dedication

Brad Keller’s journey with Milliken began when the company acquired the plant that he was working at. "Milliken always had a great name in the market," Brad recalls. "They were able to take the technologies they have in finishing and marry them up with our abilities to make the FR fabrics, and it's been a great marriage ever since we've come together in 2015."

Starting as a Supervisor and moving through roles such as Plant Manager and Supply Chain Manager, Brad’s career reflects a continuous path of growth and learning. "I've moved up through everything—supervisor, PI, plant manager at one time, and now supply chain manager. I really enjoy it."

The People Behind the Success

Throughout his 24 years at Milliken, Brad has valued the relationships he's built with his colleagues. "I enjoy interacting with the people every day," he says. "It means a lot to be at Milliken for 24 years, and the fact that you have opportunities to grow with a company that continues to innovate and push the envelope to create new fabrics. We're making fabrics that protect somebody's life, and it's just so important to me and to the world that we're actually making something that protects somebody's life."

A Personal Connection to Purpose

Brad’s son-in-law, Marcus, is a lieutenant firefighter, adding a deeply personal connection to Brad's work at Milliken. "One of the main reasons I value our fabrics so much is because my son-in-law is a fireman," Brad shares. "Knowing that I'm making something that's going to protect his life and the lives of his colleagues is incredibly important to me. I've got a lot of friends that are firemen, and those guys are coming to help us. So if we can do stuff to keep them safe, that just helps the whole community and the whole country."

Marcus’s work involves responding to medic calls, accidents, and rescue operations, often in hazardous conditions. "The fabrics we make help keep him safe in various environments, whether it’s fighting a fire, attending to a car accident, or performing a rescue operation," Brad explains. "The lighter, more flexible materials allow him to move more easily and stay protected, which is crucial in his line of work."

This personal connection fuels Brad’s dedication to ensuring the quality and safety of the products he manufactures. "He gets to come home to my granddaughter and my daughter," Brad says holding a firefighter jacket. "That's what means the most to me."

Ensuring Safety and Quality

Brad’s dedication to safety and quality is unwavering. "Safety being the number one priority, then quality, and then the production takes care of itself," he emphasizes. Daily safety checks and quality meetings are integral parts of his routine, ensuring that every task is approached with precision and care. This focus on safety not only protects the associates but also ensures the high standards of the products they produce.

A Day in the Life

Brad’s day begins with checking production reports and emails before walking the floor to interact with third shift associates. "My favorite part of the day is the first walk through," he mentions . "You get to see the third shift folks light up as they see faces they haven’t seen all night and hear about their experiences." His meticulous approach to monitoring and addressing any issues helps keep the plant running smoothly, contributing to the production of high-quality fabrics.

A Pillar of the Community

Brad’s influence extends beyond his technical expertise. He is known for his willingness to help and his ability to foster a positive work environment. "Milliken offers so much more than just a job; we have the interactions day-to-day and a family atmosphere," he says. "We have a lot of fun with each other. The managers, the manufacturing associates, the new PIs that come in straight out of college—everyone just has that family atmosphere to where we all interact. If one person has an issue or a problem, it belongs to all of us, and I think that's what really helps drive people here."

Join Us in Recognizing These Remarkable Individuals

Brad Keller’s 24 years of service are a remarkable achievement, reflecting his dedication, expertise, and commitment to his colleagues. We’re spotlighting Brad and all our associates who make Milliken an exceptional place to work. Their dedication and expertise are the foundation of our continued success.

As we continue to innovate and solve problems, driven by curiosity and collaboration, we invite you to join us in recognizing the incredible people behind our products. At Milliken, our associates are our greatest asset, and their stories inspire us to keep pursuing a better tomorrow.

To read more associate stories, visit here.

Want to join #TeamMilliken? Visit our careers webpage to learn more about your next opportunity.