Malcolm Williams, right, production manager for solvent propellant manufacturing at the Radford Army Ammunition Plant, shows the Green Line Propellant Process to Richard G. Kidd, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Energy & Sustainability) during...
As the production manager for the solvent propellant manufacturing at the Radford Army Ammunition Plant, Malcolm Williams manages the area in which the Ether and Alcohol distillation columns are currently being commissioned. This newly constructed fa...
Radford Army Ammunition Plant, Va. -- Malcolm Williams, production manager for solvent propellant manufacturing at the Radford Army Ammunition Plant, provides the expertise needed to provide quality propellants for the Warfighter in the field.
Williams has a long and distinguished career of serving his country. He served four years in the United States Marine Corps, and as an artilleryman he moved, emplaced, loaded, fired, and maintained field artillery cannon weapons systems. He recalls seeing 'RAAP' stamped on the side of the propellant he used during firings.
"Going from the product's end user to its manufacturer, gives me a staunch understanding of how important it is to produce a quality product," he said.
Following his active duty service and with the assistance from the GI Bill, Williams decided to major in chemical engineering at the University of Mississippi. After four years of studying at Ole Miss and two co-op program assignments in both industry and academia, Williams obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree.
"The education I received studying chemical engineering at the University of Mississippi, coupled with the extraordinary and unparalleled experiences through the co-op programs, undoubtedly prepared me for future challenges I have faced and any endeavors I chose to undertake here at Radford Army Ammunition Plant," said Williams.
Williams has worked in a wide variety of assignments at RFAAP. He has served as a process engineer for the Green Lines, Finishing, Acid and Solvents area, as an Operations manager in the Green Lines, Nitroglycerin and Nitrocellulose areas, and as a Research & Development engineer manufacturing propellant for CAD/PAD applications. In addition, he served as a Program Manager and currently serves as the Production Manager for the portfolio of solvent-based propellants manufactured at Radford.
"As a member of the Solvent Propellant Manufacturing Team, I am responsible for providing leadership to our operations, evaluating current processes and configuring systems to reduce cost, improving sustainability and developing best practices within the production process. Two of the things I learned in the Marines, that I found invaluable during college and currently here at RFAAP, are communication and organizational skills. I must provide real-time floor support, guidance and direction to operations, engineering and personnel management," Williams said.
Williams has served at the Radford Army Ammunition Plant for more than 18 years. He is currently employed by BAE/Ordnance Systems, the production contractor for the government-owned, contractor-operated facility. He is proud to serve in an Army plant, and, as a Veteran, always strives "to do whatever is required to ensure he provides a quality product to the Soldiers in the field."
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