Names in the News, Jan. 16

, has left the company and started his own business as a business consultant specializing in plastics machinery, equipment, and machine components.  Of his new firm, Gunther Hoyt Associates, he says, “I’ll be guiding American companies seeking to build export sales and acquire assets abroad while assisting overseas firms achieve similar goals in North America ... My services range from high-level strategic matchmaking and investment banking to nuts-and-bolts assistance such as market studies, sales force training and trade show planning.”
Hoyt is a well-known presence in the industry, with his signature bowtie making him easy to spot in a crowd. He has chaired SPI’s Machinery Division, the NPE show, and the Plastics USA show, and he was a member of the SPI Board of Directors from 1987 to 2007. He is an elected member of the Plastics Pioneers. To reach him, call T: +1 540-230-4546 or e-mail [email protected].

Melt-filtration equipment manufacturer Gneuss Inc. (Matthews, NC), the North American subsidiary of German parent Gneuss Kunststofftechnik GmbH, has added new staff to meet what it says is its expanding business in North America. Bill Lewis joined the company as sales engineer for screen changers and polymer filtration systems, responsible for the Southeast U.S. He brings 20 years of experience in the fiber and plastics industry to Gneuss, most recently working at International Fiber Technology in Charlotte, NC.

The Packaging Machinery Manufacturer’s Institute (PMMI; Arlington, VA) named Jim Anderson, CEO of tray sealing machinery manufacturer Marlen, to serve as Chairman in 2009, staying on in the position after Randy Spahr, who was recently with Goodman Packaging Equipment, resigned his volunteer PMMI position. Anderson served as chairman in 2007–2008.

Packaging processor Rexam (Perrysburg, OH) appointed Steve Wirrig as managing director, primary packaging and prescription. Wirrig joined Rexam Beverage Can North America (BCNA) in 2003 as head of marketing and was promoted to BCNA VP sales and marketing last year. Prior to joining Rexam he was director of global product management and strategic planning for Textron Fastening Systems.

Norwegian plastics R&D center Norner has hired Lene Sparre Thunes to work as a researcher within the company’s additives research/compound research department. She joins the company from plastics pipe processor Pipelife Norge AS, where she worked as project manager PE pipes for the water and sewage market.

Robert Burzler was appointed the new director for sales and marketing at injection molding machine manufacturer Ferromatik Milacron (Malterdingen, Germany). He has been with the manufacturer since 2000. The previous sales manager, Thomas Schwarzer, and former marketing manager Jörg Dassow left the company at the end of 2008.—[email protected]