Names in the News: IMS Company, Novatec, Gala Industries, Polymera

Osowski's predecessor, Brad Morse, is not moving too far; he now serves as IMS's CEO. Osowski joined IMS in 2008 and helped steer it through the recession. "Our long-term strategy of diversification that began in 2009 is on track and continued throughout last year. 2010 was an exceptional year for the company, and going forward we believe the company will continue its upward trend," he commented.

Things also are looking up at Novatec, the Baltimore, MD-based manufacturer of drying, conveying and blending equipment and systems. "After some uncertainty about the business climate in the plastics industry, we are seeing steady growth of what we call 'unit sales products' like individual dryers, loaders and blenders and the systems business has been strong for us in recent months. We have hired several people in the sales, manufacturing and engineering areas. We have been running a second shift and working weekends in the plant. Most recently, we have added two systems engineers, two regional sales managers and we continue to interview for additional positions," said Conrad Bessemer, president and CEO of Novatec Inc.

Recent hires include Edgar Guzman as sales manager for Mexico, Central and South America to focus on business development; he will assist Novatec agency representatives in the region with technical and sales support to grow auxiliary equipment business in the area. Guzman is based in Monterrey, Mexico and has about 14 years of experience in sales and sales management of auxiliary equipment representatives, mainly in Mexico.

The other regional sales manager just joining Novatec is Joe Norco, taking charge of the U.S. West and Southwest. He has been involved with the plastics industry for 22 years, and will have an office in the company's headquarters.

Systems engineers/project managers joining the company are Joe Amore and Ron Ullman. Amore has worked with plastics processors for 32 years in a range of positions such as systems project manager and systems engineer. Among other responsibilities, he will be a primary contact for processors seeking to upgrade or install a new resin conveying system. Ullman has nearly 15 years' experience working as an engineering director and as a project manager of pneumatic conveying systems for both plastics and food processing applications. He lives in Delaware and he will split his time between the Novatec office and field assignments.

At underwater pelletizing machine manufacturer Gala, Reiner Beckmann and Michael Eloo have been promoted to managing directors of the company (Xanten, Germany).

Both men have worked within the company for many years. Beckmann joined in January 1989 and has worked in its finance, logistics, sales, and personnel sections; Eloo joined in February 1991, and has worked in Gala's equipment and lab operation, management, R&D, new equipment development, and more.

Polymera Inc. announced the appointment of plastics technology expert Jeff Brandt to roll out three new product offerings for the Hebron, OH-based producer of wood/natural-fiber polymer composite materials and custom profiles.
   
Brandt, the new VP of manufacturing and technology, is said to be “one of North America’s leading experts in the field of extrusion and WPC manufacture,” according to Polymera. Brandt has held various industry leadership positions, including VP of technical research and development at Crane Plastics. “An early pioneer in the field of wood/natural-fiber polymer composites, Brandt has managed technical advancements for global industry leaders and developed 12 patents, five in the WPC technology and processing areas,” said a Polymera release.
   
Brandt will be in charge of rolling our Polymera’s three new products: Merablend, a wood/natural-fiber polymer composite material for injection molding, extrusion, and compression molding applications; Merawood custom produced profiles; and Meraplast Technology Solutions, a consultation service for companies looking to enter the wood/nautral-fiber polymer composite market. —PlasticsToday Staff