With Engel since 2007, Braig shepherded the firm through one of the most difficult stretches for the injection molding industry in recent memory, doubling the company's U.S. market share during his time, while also reducing fixed costs in a bid to remain competitive in a market that has shrunk dramatically. In a release, Braig said he believed it is the right time to leave. "When I came to Engel in 2007, I felt we needed to turn around the way we approached our business," Braig said. "As a result of the changes we've implemented and the results we've attained, I feel the time is now right for me to move on to new challenges. I'm proud of the accomplishments of our team in achieving this turnaround, especially in this challenging market."
In addition to lowering fixed costs through a reduction in staffing, Braig said Engel also placed greater emphasis on technical support for its customers during his tenure, opening a technical center in California last year, with another technical center to open in Mexico this spring.
Braig started as president and CEO of Engel in June 2007 after serving in the same roles at Automated Assemblies Corp. (Boston). He replaced Walter Jungwirth, who at the time returned to Engel in Austria to become vice president for the company's packaging business unit.
Sankovitch's 20-plus years of experience at Engel, include stints in management, sales, and support positions. He holds a chemistry degree from Central Michigan University and an MBA from Michigan State University. Prior to joining Engel, he was in sales management positions with Dow Corning and the former Exxon Chemical.
