ABOUT MTL Manufacturing Inc.

Mike Nimmo

President

An industry veteran with more than three decades in steel fabrication, Mike founded Metal Manufacturing and incorporated the business in 2000. From the start, he built the company on one principle: people first. Mike has consistently invested in his team, from experienced personnel and skilled trades to state-of-the-art equipment that sets them up to succeed.

That investment has paid off in a loyal, capable workforce and in growth that took off after a major contract with a large automotive manufacturer in 2006. Today, MTL is a trusted supplier to the data center and power generation industries and provides dozens of well-paying jobs in the Stateline community. Through it all, Mike's strongest commitment remains the people who build MTL's products and the customers who rely on them.

Derek Fellows

Vice President of Operations

Derek brings more than 30 years of manufacturing leadership to MTL, which he joined in January 2021. He sets the direction for the company's operations, building safe work environments, efficient practices, and cost-effective systems designed to support MTL's long-term growth. Since joining, Derek has strengthened the operational foundation that allows MTL to scale while holding firm on quality and on-time delivery. His steady, disciplined leadership keeps every part of the operation aligned with the needs of the customer and the future of the business. Outside of work, he enjoys the outdoors, fishing, hunting, and time with his family.

Ray Ruiz

Director of Finance

Ray brings more than 25 years of experience in business finance and account management across the retail, industrial, and service industries. He leads MTL's financial reporting, budgeting, financial modeling and analysis, and process improvement, giving leadership the clear, reliable insight it needs to make sound decisions. Ray was instrumental in implementing MTL's job shop management system, which integrates quoting, manufacturing, inventory, and accounting into one streamlined platform. That work laid the groundwork for the disciplined financial and operational visibility that supports MTL's continued growth.

Steve Putman

Engineering Manager

Steve began his career building houses before entering the fabrication industry as a welder-fabricator in the early 1990s. He worked his way up through supervision and into engineering, building deep expertise in drafting and programming along the way. Today, he leads MTL's engineering function, turning customer requirements into buildable designs and production-ready programs. His hands-on background gives him a practical eye for cost savings across the production process, and his ability to bridge the engineering office and the shop floor makes him a key contributor to MTL's quality and efficiency.

Trent Nimmo

Director of Strategic Operations

Trent brings deep expertise in operations and supply chain management to MTL, where he leads the company's strategic initiatives and development as it grows into its next phase. He serves as the company's primary integration point with its parent organization, aligning strategy, people, and resources to position MTL for long-term, sustainable growth.

Trent built his career leading teams in manufacturing and distribution for Fortune 500 companies, including Lowe's, Dollar General, and Walmart. That experience shaped a leadership style grounded in accountability, continuous improvement, and a clear vision for the business. He grew up in the family business his father, Mike, founded, giving him a lifelong understanding of what it takes to build and run a successful manufacturer. A Janesville native, Trent is proud to help lead a team-oriented company rooted in the Stateline community and committed to developing the region's skilled workforce.

Matt Doering

General Manager

Matt leads MTL's production operation day to day, directing the operations managers and supervisors across fabrication, welding, paint, and night shift. A Marine Corps veteran, he brings the discipline and accountability of the Corps to the shop floor, where he sets the standard for safety, quality, and on-time delivery.

A graduate of Blackhawk Technical College's welding program, Matt has more than 15 years of management experience, including more than seven years in welding and fabrication. That hands-on foundation gives him real technical command of the work and the credibility to develop the leaders who carry MTL's standard across every shift. Outside of work, Matt enjoys time with his son and anything outdoors.

Matt Doering

General Manager

Matt leads MTL's production operation day to day, directing the operations managers and supervisors across fabrication, welding, paint, and night shift. A Marine Corps veteran, he brings the discipline and accountability of the Corps to the shop floor, where he sets the standard for safety, quality, and on-time delivery.

A graduate of Blackhawk Technical College's welding program, Matt has more than 15 years of management experience, including more than seven years in welding and fabrication. That hands-on foundation gives him real technical command of the work and the credibility to develop the leaders who carry MTL's standard across every shift. Outside of work, Matt enjoys time with his son and anything outdoors.

Nicole Nelson

Production Control Manager

Nicole brings more than a decade of manufacturing experience, with hands-on roles spanning material handling, inventory, purchasing, and customer service. That broad perspective serves her well as Production Control Manager, where she leads the implementation of JobBoss, MTL's ERP system, and builds the processes that will support the company's next chapter of growth. Nicole loves that manufacturing always offers something new to learn. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her family and getting outdoors, especially in the summer.

Mike Edwards

Director of Quality

Mike brings more than 30 years of experience in the metal forming industry and joined MTL in January 2025 to lead its quality program. He applies deep expertise in lean initiatives, process improvement, and quality management to meet and exceed customer requirements on every order. Mike is continuously improving the effectiveness of MTL's quality systems, strengthening how the team inspects, documents, and verifies its work. His commitment is simple and uncompromising: reliable, defect-free products, delivered every time. Outside of work, he enjoys golf and time with his family.

Bob Kletzke

Fabrication Operations Manager

Bob brings years of operations management experience in the OEM manufacturing marketplace, with extensive knowledge of process development and implementation across key areas of sheet steel processing. As Fabrication Operations Manager, he oversees MTL's fabrication operations, from laser cutting and forming through fabrication. He builds the processes that keep production efficient, consistent, and focused on quality. Bob's experience developing and implementing proven processes helps MTL scale its output while maintaining the standards its customers expect.

Tomas Viveros

1st Shift Plant Supervisor

Tomas has spent his entire career in the welding and fabrication industry, building the hands-on knowledge that makes him a trusted leader on the floor. As 1st Shift Plant Supervisor, he leads his team through demanding production schedules with a true commitment to shipping quality products on time. Tomas sets the pace for first shift, keeping his crew organized, accountable, and focused on getting the work done right.

Doug Grover

1st Shift Welding Supervisor

Doug brings years of hands-on experience and leadership in tank manufacturing, MTL's core product line. As 1st Shift Welding Supervisor, he leads the welders who build MTL's fuel tanks, holding the team to the quality standards these products demand. Doug is driven to help his team grow their skills and build lasting careers in the trade, developing the skilled workforce that MTL's growth depends on. Outside of work, he enjoys hunting, fishing, camping, riding his Harley, and spending time with his family.

Cheryl Tschudy

Shipping and Receiving Coordinator / Inventory Specialist

Cheryl brings many years of manufacturing experience, most recently leading the quality and containment area for a large automotive supplier. She brings that quality-first discipline to MTL's shipping, receiving, and inventory, where accuracy and attention to detail keep materials flowing and every order on track. Cheryl plays a key role in making sure what leaves MTL's dock matches what customers expect. On weekends, she enjoys camping, fishing, and time with family and friends.

Dennis McDougall

Operations Manager, Coating Division

Dennis leads MTL's Coating Division, bringing a strategic mindset and hands-on leadership to streamline operations and drive quality. His background in marketing, growth strategy, and business development helps him align production with customer needs and company goals. Dennis focuses on optimizing processes, strengthening team performance, and holding MTL's coating work to the highest standards.