Women in Engineering: Spotlight on Ashley Parent, Mills Machine Works

Image: Mills Machine Works

Leading by Example: Ashley Parent at the Helm of a Female-Driven Machine Shop

Mills Machine Works, Inc., located in Lawrence, MA, is not your typical machine shop. This second-generation family business is led by Ashley Parent and her siblings, John and Megan Mills. The company is proud to have a team that is predominantly female-operated. Ashley and her team are experts in delivering custom solutions, high-quality results, and reliable delivery. They can tackle large and complex projects while providing personalized attention to meet the unique needs of each customer. Mills Machine Works specializes in producing cost-effective prototypes and innovative 3-axis CNC machining.

The company’s origins can be traced back to 1995 when Ashley’s father started a small machine shop in the basement of their home, taking on small and complex projects that other shops declined. As his reputation for tackling these challenging tasks grew, so did the business, moving from the basement to a 17,000-square-foot facility. Today, the shop continues to specialize in complex and bespoke projects.

Ashley’s journey into the world of machining was not planned. Since childhood, she has been involved in the family business, performing various tasks such as bagging parts and managing the office. She learned about the business from her parents along the way. After working in marketing for a while, she eventually transitioned to working at the shop full-time overseeing operations and finances. However, Ashley’s evolution into the shop’s leader accelerated when her father passed away. This change required her to adapt quickly and learn new skills, ranging from sourcing materials to mastering blueprints. Ashley turned to online resources, peers, and formal classes to fill in the gaps in her knowledge, ensuring that she could lead the shop effectively.

Under her leadership, the machine shop has continued to pursue its goal of solving complex manufacturing problems. She works closely with her siblings, who have expertise in the machine shop floor, to strike a balance between honoring their father’s traditional practices and integrating innovative technologies that drive efficiency. This approach has enabled the company to maintain its commitment to excellence in delivering quality products and services to its customers.

Mills Machine Works stands out in an industry where women are significantly underrepresented, placing a strong emphasis on creating a welcoming environment for women with a predominantly female team. From quality control engineers to shop floor staff, women are integral to the company’s operations, providing diverse perspectives and driving its success. Mills Machine Works’ unique team composition not only sets it apart from other companies but also challenges industry norms in promoting inclusivity and diversity in engineering.

Ashley believes that understanding the intricacies of physical creation is essential for efficient design. Her practical approach to engineering advocates hands-on experience. Her father’s self-taught approach to reverse engineering instilled in her the confidence to learn on the job, ask questions, and seek out the right people to succeed. Ashley’s experience helps customers of Mills Machine Works to make their designs more cost-effective and easier to manufacture by providing consulting on adjustments that can save money and simplify production.

The shop has a strong culture that values the legacy of service. The shop’s lobby has a Hall of Heroes that showcases military service members from the community, including Ashley’s brother. This highlights the shop’s deep commitment to community values and familial respect, acknowledging the people and principles that have shaped the business and its ethos.

Ashley has been instrumental in helping the shop navigate through its expansion and has also redefined its operational and cultural framework. She has focused on integrating technology, promoting workforce diversity, and engaging with the community. These efforts have propelled the family business forward, ensuring it remains a leader in an evolving industry. As they approach their 30th anniversary, Ashley, her siblings John and Megan, and the team at Mills Machine Works remain committed to their roots while eagerly embracing the future.

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