Trailer, truck, & body OEMs
Johnson Refrigerated Truck Bodies announced that Luke Chilsonhas been named regional sales manager for the eastern United States. He will be responsible for selling Johnson composite truck bodies in a territory including Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, and North Carolina. Chilson will work from Johnson’s parent company branch,Great Dane Trailers in Mount Joy PA.
Delavan Automotive LLC, a subsidiary of Miller Industries Inc, has hired Weldon Wrightto expand its sales force in the US auto transport market. Wright’s background includes more than 35 years in the towing and automotive industry.
Bart Conry has been named vice-president of group fleet sales for Palfinger North America Group (PNAG). Formerly, he held the position of PNAG fleet sales manager.
Component manufacturers
Meritor Inc recently named Jason Grasman the company’s 2012 Manufacturing Engineer of the Year. He earned the award for his distinguished and cost-competitive contributions to the design and launch efforts of the brake spider machining and assembly process for on-highway truck air cam brakes at the firm’s York SC facility. Meritor used this to in-source brake spider machining, resulting in lower machine times that drove productivity improvements as well as cost savings. Meritorrecently honored Patrick Gibson with its 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award for Manufacturing Engineering. Gibson, senior director, industrialization and operations strategy at Meritor’s Troy MI headquarters, earned the award for several major accomplishments. These include leading launch teams that opened Meritor facilities in Forest City NC and Cienega, Mexico; leading the Truck division’s strategy for manufacturing development and major capital reinvestment projects; and assisting in the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicle program launch. Meritor recently honoredJoão Roberto Alboledo with its 2012 Lifetime Engineering Achievement Award for Manufacturing Engineering. Alboledo, manufacturing specialist atMeritor Brazil, earned the award for developing and implementing precision forging at Meritor’s Osasco, Brazil facility, where he led all precision forging process modernization projects, resulting in multiple efficiency and productivity improvements. Besides mentoring colleagues on manufacturing techniques, he also led the 5S improvement methodology in Osasco. Meritor recently honored George Choike with its 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award for Product Engineering. Choike, senior product specialist at the firm’s Troy MI headquarters, received the award for his consistent dedication and contributions to axle engineering. His accomplishments since joining Meritor nearly 48 years ago include assisting in development of communication and word drawing systems; developing rear-drive and non-drive front axle application guidelines; and serving as a customer contact for several key original equipment manufacturers for axle and driveline activities.
R•O•M Corporationhas added Mike Crepeau to its outside sales team as Mid-Central territory manager, covering Alaska, Idaho, Illinois, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin. He previously worked as a sales representative withFire Safety in Rochester MN.
Lippert Components Inc (LCI) announced that Chuck Bell has been promoted to vice-president of chassis operations responsible for managing 1,400 employees at the firm’s Indiana-based chassis facilities. He has 17 years of leadership at LCI.
Betts Company has hired Bob Herold as vice-president of sales, responsible for all sales activities at Betts Co’s two manufacturing divisions, BettsHD and Betts Spring Manufacturing. Most recently, he was vice-president of product development and sales atTrail-Gear Inc.