People, Places & Things

Atlas Fibre has hired Mark Russell as its Western Regional Sales Manager. He has 20+ years experience in plastics and manufacturing and will be based out of San Jose, CA.

King Plastic Corporation announced that Maggie Thomacos, Director of Customer Service and Inside Sales, Katy Becker and Tina Reberger, Customer Service Representatives have passed the IAPD Level 1 and Level 2 Certificate Program for Excellence in Sales. These certifications mark their commitment to continuous improvement and exceeding customer’s expectations.

Norplex-Micarta, the leading manufacturer of high performance thermoset composites, announced the promotion of Cindy Gordon to the position of Quality Assurance Laboratory Manager at the company’s Postville, IA headquarters. Gordon has succeeded Roger Tieskotter who retired after 36 years of service with Norplex-Micarta. Gordon is responsible for all aspects of the lab, including equipment, employees, supplies and documentation. Norplex-Micarta also announced the appointment of Timothy Delaney to Manufacturing Engineer at the company’s headquarters. Delaney’s responsibilities will include installation and safety review of new equipment, process improvements, and specification preparation and equipment testing.

Dymax Corporation announced the appointment of Jon Galaska as Territory Sales Manager in the Field Sales Department. In his new position, Galaska will provide a key service in helping manufacturers in Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North and South Dakota and Wisconsin solve their most complex application problems and reduce manufacturing costs.

Quadrant Engineering Plastic Products has promoted Charlie Costello to regional sales manager to lead its Midwest region. He will be responsible for managing sales, distribution and new business development. Quadrant also promoted Koen Verhoeyen to application development manager for Canada. In this position, Verhoeyen will be responsible for material specification into new applications throughout critically defined markets resulting directly in new business growth for Quadrant and their key partners. In addition, he will support the Technical Sales/ Service team for all of Canada. He will be based at the Quadrant QPC Plant in Guelph, Ontario, Canada, and will travel the Territories looking for new development opportunities.

Rochling Engineering Plastics announced the addition of Joe Aleszczyk to their team as Business Development Specialist. He brings years of experience with engineering plastics and his primary responsibilities will include developing and securing new business opportunities with a focus on new products and strategic markets. Also, he will support our distribution partners with product training, technical and field support.

In Memoriam
Thermwood Corporation sadly announced that Dennis Glenn Blackburn, age 62, died from multiple challenged systems in early February.

Blackburn has been associated with Thermwood Corporation since 1990, becoming an exclusive dealer for Thermwood in March of 1997. Blackburn was highly committed to Thermwood, continuously placing in the top tier of sales every year. “Dennis was very passionate about Thermwood, and cared deeply about all of his customers,” said Vice President of Sales, Dennis Palmer. He was a member of the Polk Area Bicycling Association, and attended Beymer Memorial United Methodist Church. Blackburn is survived by his wife Elizabeth and daughters Celeste and Ona.