E-shots Web-exclusive: Meet the new Demag boss

Serving as interim president since March 2005, Brian Bishop was recently named president of the North American operations of the Demag Plastics Group (Strongsville, OH). Bishop joined DPG as VP of sales in 2003 and was promoted to executive VP of sales and aftermarket in January 2005 before being named interim president.

“My lifelong experience in the U.S. and global plastics industry, combined with my hands-on contact with customers, gives me the solid foundation to ensure Demag is meeting molders' needs,” says Bishop, son of Tom Bishop, former president of HPM Corp. (Mt. Gilead, OH). Prior to joining Demag, he worked for HPM—now Taylor Industrial Services—for 14 years, and was VP of sales for Engel Machinery (York, PA).

“Demag initiated lean manufacturing a couple of years ago. We've always been known for dependable, reliable machines. I want to take 'made by Demag' to a higher level of meaning,” says Bishop.

In addition to continuing on the lean manufacturing track, Bishop says he wants to initiate other organizational and product excellence programs, such as one that reportedly will improve quality and reduce lead times for machine orders by improving the flow line of injection unit components. It's expected to be complete by September. Demag's flow line concept will be expanded to other components under Bishop's direction.

The future looks bright

An emphasis on excellence reportedly will ensure that Strongsville is Demag's global center for its latest series of big, two-platen Titan presses, which consists of six models ranging from 1000-2200 tons. A molder in Peninsula, OH, Pilot Plastics, has already installed a 2200-ton Titan and expects a 1220-tonner to arrive by the time you read this.

“We've had two solid years of double-digit growth in North America,” says Bishop. “I see continued growth for Demag in FY 2006. We're seeing a lot of activity and RFQs for the machines made in Strongsville.”

Along with Titans, Demag's all-electric/direct-drive IntElects are built in Strongsville, along with its Newburys, Calibers, and HTs.

“I'm very optimistic for the U.S. and the global market for injection molding machines,” says Bishop. “While we don't like to see the struggles of any Tier One supplier, or even an OEM, it has opened the doors for other suppliers and automakers to move in. The packaging and medical industries will continue to be strong, and with the rebuilding needed for the Gulf Coast states, we see growth for the appliance and building and construction markets as well.”