Industry Watch: People

“We are very excited to have Mike on board and are confident he will greatly contribute to our company’s continued sales growth,” said Dr. John Cheung, president of OMAX. “Mike brings with him established industry experience, strong leadership skills and a strategic sales approach. We look to Mike to incorporate many new ideas and concepts and apply them to the OMAX sales framework.”

Ruppenthal holds an MBA degree from the University of Washington in Seattle, WA, and a BA degree from The Colorado College in Colorado Springs, CO. “This is a great opportunity to work with the industry leader in abrasive waterjet technology,” added Ruppenthal. “And it’s an honor to be part of the entrepreneurial, close-knit and customer focused team here at OMAX.” He replaces John Bergstrom, who has retired from OMAX but remains a consultant for the company.

OMAX is a global leader in abrasivejet machining. Each JetMachining® system and MAXIEM® JetCutting Center is powered by the company’s innovative control software, bringing affordable abrasivejet technology to an expanding and diverse group of industries. www.omax.com

MILLTRONICS CNC MACHINES (WACONIA, MN) . . .
added Paul Wichert as the general manager to lead the Milltronics team and have overall responsibility for the company’s strategic and operational objectives, reporting to Dan Zdon, the executive vice president/chief operating officer of Liberty Diversified International (LDI).

Wichert has a proven record of leadership, performance and profitability in the machine tool industry, moving steadily through his career into roles of increasing responsibility. His 30-year career started with Giddings and Lewis Machine Tool Company. His most recent positions were as president of Ellison Technologies – Minnesota and the chief executive officer of the Samsung Machine Tools (Pewaukee, WI).

“Milltronics is committed to the success of their customers. Their dedication to continuous improvement is impressive,” said Wichert. “I look forward to working with the dedicated team at Milltronics, along with our network of dealers, to accomplish our global growth strategies.” A cum laude graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Stout, Wichert holds a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial technology.

Milltronics CNC Machines is a leading supplier of machine tools, serving industry worldwide since 1973. No other company offers as many milling and turning machines for both toolroom and production environments. www.milltronics.net

MECSOFT CORPORATION (IRVINE, CA) . . .
hired Scott Dixon as a senior applications engineer. “It is a great honor for us to have Scott, a former colleague of mine from Unigraphics Solutions/Siemens PLM, join our team,” said Joe Anand, the president and CEO of MecSoft. “Scott brings to us valuable experience working with demanding CAM customers and also a strong knowledge of manufacturing processes and systems. His addition to our team will help us fine tune our new product offerings as well as strengthen our already strong focus on customer service and support.”

Dixon has more than 35 years experience in machining application management, support, and training, working closely with such global manufacturing companies as GM, GE, Pratt & Whitney, and Boeing. Prior to joining MecSoft, Dixon was a senior technical product manager at Unigraphics/Seimen’s PLM, responsible for their machinery market, including machinery milling, turning, and on-machine part inspection. “It is a pleasure to join the team at MecSoft and help them continue to grow into a world leader in CAM,” said Dixon. “Having previously worked with some advanced enterprise level CAM systems, I believe we offer functionality that rivals many of those, in a surprisingly easy to use solution.”

MecSoft is a worldwide leader in providing VisualMILL®, VisualXPORT for Inventor®, VisualMILL for SolidWorks®, RhinoCAM™, Alibre CAM® and VisualTURN® software products for the small to mid-market segments in the custom manufacturing, rapid tooling, mold making, aerospace, automotive, tool & die, woodworking, and education industries. www.mecsoft.com

FEED LEASE CORPORATION (ROCHESTER HILLS, MI) . . .
appointed Joe Fox as its new sales manager. He comes to Feed Lease from Coe Press Equipment Corporation (Sterling Heights, MI) where he had been OEM sales manager for five years, and prior to that time had served as engineering manager for seven years.

Mal Bollman, the general manager of Feed Lease, says, “We are very pleased to have a sales manager with Joe’s wealth of market knowledge, engineering and sales experience with the type of coil feed systems, cut-to-length and blanking systems that we manufacture. As sales manager, Joe will supervise all sales activities, OEM sales and manage our manufacturer’s representative network. We’re confident that his capabilities and know-how will bring new opportunities for our company.”

Fox is a graduate of Schoolcraft College specializing in the area of production and manufacturing. He and his family reside in Rochester, MI. Feed Lease Corporation is a leading designer and builder of high-performance metal stamping press equipment, including complete coil feeding lines, powered straighteners, servo feeds, air feeds, coil reels, coil loads cars, coil cradles and upenders. www.feedlease.com

BUNTING® MAGNETICS CO. (NEWTON, KS) . . .
added Simon Ayling as the new production manager and Steve Lacy as a new technical sales executive for the European manufacturing and sales operation center based in Berkhamsted, England that is responsible for all sales in the United Kingdom, Europe and the African continent. This operation has begun to manufacture equipment that is part of the company’s Magnetic Separation product line.

“Since the establishment of our new location in Europe, the level of sales activity has increased rapidly,” said Robert J. Bunting, the company’s owner and chief executive officer. “Simon has worked previously for our Magnet Applications™ Limited subsidiary and will enable us to meet this higher demand quickly and efficiently. We have aggressive strategic plans to expand the capabilities of this site and feel that Simon’s manufacturing and planning skills will help us achieve these goals as well.”

Ayling spent ten years with Magnet Applications™ in a variety of roles, including time as the production manager, planning and resource manager and supply chain manager. He introduced several processing improvements, such as reducing material scrap rates and refining the purchasing and material management techniques of the company. He has been involved in the manufacturing sector for over 25 years, including experience in the aerospace and automotive industries. Prior to joining Bunting® Magnetics Europe, Ayling spent two years as the operations manager at The Fine Group (Wembley, UK), a bespoke textile engineering firm.

In his sales role, Lacy will initially focus on serving as the main inside sales contact for the company and assisting Gareth Meese, the company’s export sales manager, in researching and securing new business throughout the region. Lacy will be instrumental in the management of the network of distributors and coordinating any customer visits. He has held a variety of sales leadership roles within the consumer products, manufacturing and transportation industries. Lacy holds degrees from both Bearwood and Willesden College.

“Steve has the type of business development background which we feel will have a quick impact in helping us reach a new level of sales in Europe,” noted Meese. “The increased amount of sales activity which we have experienced necessitates a dedicated person in our main office to handle customer inquiries. Steve will help that process proceed quickly and smoothly.”

Bunting® is a major U.S.-based manufacturer of magnetic materials and components, magnetic separation systems, material handling equipment, magnetic printing cylinders, flexible dies and metal detection equipment for global markets. www.buntingmagnetics.com, www.magnetapplications.com

DORNER MANUFACTURING CORPORATION (HARTLAND, WI) . . .
recently appointed Gary Cully as its new Northwest regional manager to work with sales channel partners and key accounts to grow the company’s industrial and sanitary conveyor business. Cully comes to Dorner with several years of industrial automation and packaging experience. Prior to Dorner he worked as a regional sales director for Festo (Grapevine, TX) and SMC (Noblesville, IN) – two companies recognized as industry leaders in automation and packaging.

Cully began his career as a sales representative for a fluid power distributor in the Northwest, and as such has a deep understanding of how distributor-based businesses work. “Dorner is setting the pace when it comes to innovation and technology in conveyor systems, and I’m very happy to be a part of this team,” Cully said. “Dorner has made great strides in conveyors, and I’m excited to start working with our sales channel partners and our customers in the Northwest from British Columbia through Southern Oregon.” He will be based in Seattle.

Since 1973, Dorner Manufacturing has been a world leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of high-quality conveyors and related equipment used in metal working and general manufacturing applications. www.dornerconveyors.com

FRONIUS USA, LLC (BRIGHTON, MI) . . .
hired Jordan Henry as its newest sales application engineer in their technical support department in their corporate office in Brighton. Jordan graduated from Ferris State University with a bachelor’s degree in Welding Engineering Technology and has been in the industry for two and a half years. Fronius welcomes Jordan and looks forward to having him on their team. www.fronius.com

MULTICAM® INC. (DALLAS, TX) . . .
appointed James Anderson as sales manager of the MultiCam Technology Center in Orlando, FL, where he was the technical support supervisor for the past nine years. “Anderson’s hands-on experience with our complete product line will enable him to recommend the appropriate CNC cutting solution for every application,” said John Harris, the director of sales and marketing. “His background working with our Florida customers under the guidance of Scott Mullis, our North American sales manager, will reinforce MultiCam Florida’s reputation for exceptional customer service plus technical and sales support.”

As a former small business owner in the metal fabrication industry, Anderson has vast knowledge in product design, development and fabrication, programming and operating many types of CNC equipment. He also is a certified electronics technician, certified SolidWorks professional and trainer as well as a certified trainer for AutoCad and Autodesk Inventor. This experience gives him a unique perspective on the CNC cutting industry.

Since 1989, MultiCam has manufactured thousands of CNC router, laser, plasma, waterjet and knife cutting machines at its 135,000 sq ft facility in North Texas for various industries around the world. Its global network of experts includes 70 MultiCam Technology Centers worldwide, with 20 across North America. www.multicam.com

APPLIED MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGIES (ORION, MI) . . .
appointed Richard Saro as the new automotive account manager to support and partner with new and existing customers to develop new innovative solutions for robotic automation customers in the automotive industry. Reporting to Andy Jones, the company’s general manager, Saro’s responsibilities will include all aspects of account management, sales planning and execution.

“Rick has over 19 years of experience within the global automotive automation industry and is able to quickly assess technical needs and present solutions that speak directly to the true needs of auto makers and automotive suppliers,” said Mike Jacobs, the chief executive officer of AMT. “Rick will play a pivotal role in providing innovative solutions for our robotics automation customers as his expertise, creativity and automotive automation knowledge make him a perfect fit in our automotive engineering group. We are very excited to have him join our team.”

Prior to joining AMT, Saro most recently held key global program and project management positions at Rockwell Automation and Comau Pico, Inc., where he was responsible for managing multiple projects for leading automotive manufacturers such as Daimler, Ford, and GM. Saro is a certified project management professional, having received his PMP certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI).

Founded in 1989, Applied Manufacturing Technologies is a leading supplier of factory automation design, single-source engineering solutions and process consulting services to the automation and manufacturing industries. Service offerings range from design and simulation to programming, installation and support of industrial automation solutions for the automotive, aerospace, medical, heavy equipment and consumer products industries. www.appliedmfg.com

MATERIAL HANDLING INDUSTRY OF AMERICA
(CHARLOTTE, NC) . . .
appointed George W. Prest to the position of chief executive officer to succeed John Nofsinger at his retirement as CEO on December 31. Prest brings over 30 years of experience to MHIA, both in managing and owning material handling manufacturing companies.

Over the years, Prest has been recognized for his volunteer leadership of industry manufacturers and distributor associations, local government and charitable foundations. This leadership includes serving as president of both the Rack Manufacturers Institute (RMI) and the Material Handling Education Foundation (MHEFI), as executive chairman of Material Handling Industry (MHI), and as a member of the Manufacturers Board of Advisors (MBOA) of the Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA).

“George has served this industry for many years as a volunteer leader in a variety of organizations,” says Nofsinger. “His strategic vision has been a key contributor to advancing MHIA’s efforts to increasing not only member value, but awareness of the value of material handling and logistics solutions to the manufacturing and supply chain end user community.” Material Handling Industry executive chairman Colin Wilson added, “George’s previous experience as the CEO of a major material handling manufacturing enterprise gives him a unique perspective on the needs of both MHIA members and end users and will serve him well in his new role. I am convinced he has the experience and the ability to lead MHIA toward even greater success.”

Prest responded, “MHIA is a dynamic organization with members that are the leading providers in this industry, a dedicated staff and a strong history. I am honored to be given the opportunity to build on the solid foundation John is handing off. I want to thank the board of governors and John for the confidence they have in me. I accept the challenge of leading MHIA with humble confidence.” MHIA is an international trade association that has represented the material handling and logistics industry since 1945. MHIA members include material handling and logistics equipment and systems manufacturers, integrators, consultants, publishers, and third party logistics providers. www.mhia.org