Berkshire Money Management promotes Natalie Wheeler to top leadership role

Bennett Manufacturing & Materials (BMM), the Berkshire‑based industrial‑materials powerhouse that supplies aerospace, defense, and high‑performance engineering markets, announced on Tuesday that its Chief Operating Officer (COO), Natalie Wheeler, will be promoted to President and Chief Operating Officer effective June 1, 2025. The company’s Board of Directors issued a brief statement that highlighted Wheeler’s “impressive record of operational excellence, strategic vision, and cross‑functional collaboration,” and noted that her expanded role will enable BMM to accelerate its growth agenda while maintaining the operational rigor that has defined the company’s competitive advantage.

A Deep‑Rooted Commitment to Operational Excellence

Wheeler joined BMM in 2011 as Vice President of Manufacturing and has since held a succession of senior operational positions. In her most recent role as COO, she was credited with overseeing a $30 million investment in a new 150‑000‑square‑foot manufacturing facility in West Springfield, which expanded BMM’s production capacity by 35 percent and enabled the firm to capture new high‑margin orders from the commercial aviation sector. Under her stewardship, the company achieved a 12 percent reduction in overall manufacturing cycle time and a 15 percent increase in on‑time delivery performance—figures that surpassed industry averages for the past three fiscal years.

“Since stepping into the COO role, Natalie has been the engine that keeps BMM running at peak efficiency,” said CEO Thomas “Tom” Richardson in a statement. “Her leadership has been pivotal in turning our operational capabilities into a market‑leading advantage. We are thrilled to bring her on board as President, where she will guide our strategic roadmap and ensure that our operational execution continues to support the company’s ambitious growth plans.”

Wheeler holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from MIT and an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business. In addition to her technical expertise, she is known for her data‑driven approach to process optimization and her ability to cultivate high‑performing cross‑functional teams.

What the Promotion Means for BMM

BMM has long operated as a lean, vertically‑integrated manufacturer that controls every step of its supply chain—from raw‑material procurement and composite lay‑up to final machining and quality assurance. In recent years, the company has pursued a strategy of diversification into adjacent high‑value markets, including the burgeoning renewable‑energy sector and the automotive supply chain. The Board’s decision to promote Wheeler to President reflects a desire to anchor this strategy in robust, world‑class operations.

“We recognize that the next chapter for BMM will require not only new product innovation but also the kind of operational agility that has defined us to date,” added Richardson. “Natalie’s deep operational knowledge, combined with her strategic acumen, positions BMM to navigate the next wave of market disruption and to capitalize on the emerging opportunities in aerospace, defense, and green‑tech.”

Wheeler’s new role will also place her at the forefront of BMM’s digital transformation initiatives. The company is investing in advanced analytics, Internet‑of‑Things (IoT) monitoring across its production lines, and an enterprise resource planning (ERP) overhaul to enhance supply‑chain visibility. Wheeler will be charged with integrating these digital capabilities into daily operations to reduce waste, improve traceability, and shorten lead times.

Community and Corporate Responsibility

Beyond operational and strategic leadership, Wheeler has been an active voice in BMM’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) agenda. She spearheaded the “Green Composites Initiative,” a program that reduces carbon emissions across the production cycle by 18 percent year over year. The initiative aligns with BMM’s broader sustainability commitment, which includes a goal to source 50 percent of raw materials from certified, low‑carbon suppliers by 2030.

“Leadership is not just about steering the company’s financial performance; it’s about setting the cultural tone for the organization,” said Wheeler in a recent interview with the Berkshire Eagle. “Our community, our employees, and our customers expect us to act responsibly, and I’m proud to lead initiatives that protect our planet while enhancing our business resilience.”

BMM’s CSR efforts extend into education, with a partnership with the Berkshire Community College that offers scholarships for students pursuing STEM degrees and internship opportunities that expose them to real‑world manufacturing challenges.

Looking Ahead

BMM’s revenue grew by 14 percent in fiscal year 2024, reaching $240 million, while net income climbed 18 percent to $32 million, reflecting the operational efficiencies that Wheeler helped to implement. The company’s market share in the aerospace composite market increased from 7 percent to 9 percent, making it the second‑largest supplier in the United States.

With Wheeler’s promotion, BMM is poised to expand its presence in the growing electric‑vehicle (EV) battery‑pack market, targeting key OEM partners in the Midwest. BMM is also exploring a joint‑venture partnership with a German composite manufacturer to bring advanced hybrid‑material solutions to the European market.

“Our ambition is to double our revenue over the next five years while maintaining a lean operating model,” said Richardson. “With Natalie at the helm of operations and strategy, we’re confident that BMM can meet the evolving demands of our customers and the industry at large.”

About BMM

Founded in 1975, Bennett Manufacturing & Materials has grown to become a leading manufacturer of high‑performance composite materials, advanced alloys, and precision machined components. With a workforce of 1,200 employees and manufacturing facilities in Berkshire, West Springfield, and a strategic location in Houston, BMM serves a diverse portfolio of clients across aerospace, defense, automotive, renewable energy, and industrial markets.

For more information on BMM’s latest product releases, sustainability initiatives, and corporate news, visit the company’s website at www.bmm.com.

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