Heil Trailer International announces that President Bob Foster is retiring at the end of 2005 after a career spanning nearly 29 years. He will be succeeded by Andy Fincher, currently serving as executive vice president.
Foster began his career in 1977 as materials manager during the early construction phase of Heil's Athens, Tennessee, facility. Throughout the 1980s, Foster was a key leader for The Heil Co., instilling world-class quality and operational techniques that led to the rapid growth of Heil.
He was instrumental in completing the successful transition of all tank trailer production from Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Tennessee. In 1989, he was promoted to Vice President/General Manager of the Tank Trailer Group. With Dover's purchase of the Heil Co. in 1993, Foster once again played an instrumental role for Heil. In 1995, The Heil Co. split, and Mr. Foster became the first president of Heil Trailer International (HTI), founding a new company.
During his tenure, Heil acquired three other businesses in the United States - J & L, Trailmaster and Kalyn Siebert – doubled the size of its flagship plant in Athens, and expanded operations to Asia, South America, and Europe.
Fincher possesses a strong industry background in both domestic and international markets. He has led HTI's management and strategic direction since being named executive vice president in 2004. During his 12 years of service with HTI, Fincher has led Heil Trailer International in various corporate responsibilities with assignments that included regional sales, marketing, and many key management initiatives resulting in a strengthened company. Fincher will assume the role of President of Heil Trailer International on January 1, 2006.