David Mills is Precast Concrete Factory Manager at Hillhouse Group, overseeing the operational delivery of precast concrete production from the company’s facility in Beith.
David joined Hillhouse in August 2016 as an apprentice joiner within the precast concrete division, while studying at Ayr College. During his apprenticeship, he achieved a Level 8 qualification in carpentry and joinery, building a strong practical foundation in manufacturing, construction and site-based requirements.
Since joining the business, David has progressed through a number of operational roles within the precast division. He moved into a supervisory position during the establishment of Hillhouse’s insulated precast flooring product line, working from a new facility at Troon Quarry. In this role, he helped oversee production for a range of major projects, including the multi-award-winning 198-home affordable housing development at Ravenscraig.
David later became Assistant Contracts Manager, supporting the installation of precast units on construction sites. This gave him further insight into the coordination required between factory production, technical design, logistics and on-site delivery. During 2023, he moved into his current role as Precast Concrete Factory Manager.
As Factory Manager, David is responsible for overseeing the operational side of precast concrete production. His role includes understanding client requirements from drawings produced by the in-house technical team, organising and supervising labour, managing health and safety across the site, keeping production on schedule, controlling costs and developing efficient systems of work.
David also manages orders and materials required for production, including timber, polystyrene, steel and consumables, while coordinating the supply of concrete from Hillhouse’s Beith concrete plant. His role requires close communication across several parts of the business to ensure that production is properly planned, resourced and delivered.
Before joining Hillhouse, David worked as a labourer in the construction sector, gaining valuable first-hand experience of the pressures, priorities and expectations faced by clients on site. This background continues to support his approach in his current role, where practical understanding and clear coordination are essential.
David acts as a key link between the technical department, overseen by John Steel, and the contracts team led by James Tyler. By connecting design, production and installation, he helps ensure that each project is coordinated effectively, commercially successful and delivered with positive outcomes for clients.
Major projects delivered during David’s time as Factory Manager include the Finnieston development on Argyle Street, Glasgow, for Westpoint Homes, a luxury residential development of apartments and penthouses.
When asked about his role, David commented:
Precast production depends on good planning, clear communication and everyone understanding what needs to be delivered. A lot of my role is about making sure the factory, technical team and contracts team are all working together, so that what we produce is right for the client and ready when it is needed on site. Having started as an apprentice and worked through different roles in the precast division, I have been able to build a strong understanding of the full process, from drawings and materials through to production and installation. That helps me see where the pressures are and where we need to be organised. I take a lot of pride in seeing projects come through the factory and then being delivered successfully on site. It is a team effort, and my focus is on keeping that process safe, efficient and well coordinated.
Mains Road
Beith
Ayrshire
KA15 2HR
