Manufacturing’s new hires, promotions, alliances

Seco Tools promotes David Sonner to eastern zone manager

Seco Tools has promoted David Sonner to be the new eastern zone manager, effective May 2020.

© Seco Tools | David Sonner

“Dave has a strong background in sales leadership prior to Seco and has demonstrated his ability to deliver results, drive change, and challenge the status quo over the past two years as Manager – Mid-Atlantic Region,” says Rob Keenan, president of Seco Tools LLC.

Sonner’s responsibilities as the Eastern Zone Manger include leading and coaching regional sales managers, utilizing sales and marketing analytics for staffing and territory alignment, maximizing engagement and sales with channel partners, and personal development in the role. His strong leadership and organizational skills, along with not having a fear of change, allows Sonner to best support the North American sales efforts of Seco Tools. 

Tooling Tech Group add business development manager

© TTG | Dave Meriwether

Tooling Tech Group (TTG) has hired Dave Meriwether as business development manager. Meriwether will be responsible for increasing business with current customers, finding and developing new business markets and opportunities, and developing sales goals across the company’s automated solutions and tooling offerings.

“Dave’s proven sales experience and technical knowledge of the thermal composites industry makes him a perfect fit within our commercial organization,” says Todd Wodzinski, chief commercial officer. “His understanding of the steps involved across the manufacturing process makes him a great asset for our company and our customers.”

GWS Tool Group adds applications specialist

Rod Landrum has filled a position of application specialist at GWS Tool Group.

© GWS | Rod Landrum

In this role, Landrum will be responsible for supporting GWS distributors and key metalworking customers in the application of GWS high performance cutting tool solutions. Cutting tools from GWS include both standard and purpose-built tooling, such as end mills, form tools, step tools, drills, reamers, taps, and turning inserts.

“Rod’s multi-dimensional background fits the mold of a GWS Specialist to a tee,” says Adam Lafferty, executive vice president of sales. “His background in machining and programming, coupled with his business acumen, will add value on multiple fronts to our customers.”

Landrum will be responsible for supporting GWS customers in Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi.

Blake Consdorf named president at Bourn & Koch

© Bourn & Koch | Blake Consdorf

Bourn & Koch has appointed Blake Consdorf to president. He was most recently president & CEO of Felsomat USA Inc. and brings more than 20 years of relevant industry and leadership experience in machine tools and automation to Bourn & Koch. Prior to Felsomat, Consdorf was divisional president of Acieta LLC. Prior to Acieta, Consdorf served as vice president of manufacturing and engineering at Wes-Tech Automation Solutions.

Prior President & CEO of Bourn & Koch, Terry V. Derrico, will now serve as president & CEO of Precision Cutting Technologies (PCT). PCT is a holding company of Alleghany Capital Corporation with 3 operating segments: (i) precision automated machine tool solutions through Bourn & Koch Inc; (ii) diamond orifices and nozzles for the waterjet industry through Diamond Technology Innovations Inc. and (iii) high-performance solid carbide tooling and solutions through CID Performance Tooling, Inc. and Supermill LLC. 

Mayfield retires from AKS Cutting Systems, two will fill roles

AKS Cutting Systems, a subsidiary of Kiffer Industries, announced that Greg Mayfield, AKS service manager, and 27-year AKS employee, will retire June 15, 2020. Mayfield’s duties are re-assigned by the promotion of two current AKS employees: Scott Krankowski as technical service manger and Dustin Weaver as customer service manager. 

MC Machinery adds regional sales manager

© MC Machinery
Adam McCullough

MC Machinery has named fabrication industry veteran Adam McCullough the new southeast regional sales manager for lasers, automation, press brakes, and shears.

McCullough’s two decades of experience began in manufacturing and engineering at his family’s job shop. For the past several years, he has held sales positions with leading laser manufacturers and CAD/CAM software companies. McCullough has a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Athens Technical College in Athens, Ga. 

Fullerton partners with Inovatools

Fullerton Tool Co. announces a new strategic partnership with Inovatools, a tool manufacturer headquartered in Bavaria, Germany.

Creating a strategic partnership with Inovatools will allow Fullerton to expand its current product offering, by now offering a range of high-performance VHM drills from Inovatools. This partnership will also expand Fullerton’s available diamond coated end mills and modular milling systems with products from Inovatools.