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Press Releases FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: |
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 GLOVERSVILLE, N.Y. – December 21, 2006 – Al Petit, President of Taylor Made Systems, has announced the promotion of Mike Sturm to Vice President of Engineering and the appointment of Rick Johnson to Director of Fabric Operations.A seasoned professional with a twenty-nine-year tenure at Taylor Made Systems, Sturm has a comprehensive knowledge of the company’s many product lines and extensive clientele. “This promotion represents appropriate recognition of Mike Sturm’s significance to our business and the very high esteem in which everyone in the marine industry holds him – not just us here at Taylor Made Systems, but all of the many boat-building professionals that he works with on a daily basis as well,” said Petit. After graduating from Oneonta State University in 1977, Sturm was hired as a member of the engineering team at the Taylor Made Systems’ factory in Gloversville, N.Y. There, he gained hands-on experience designing and producing prototypes for customers. In the mid-80s he was appointed head of the prototype department, and in 1998 was named Director of Engineering, giving him oversight of design and new product development for all of Taylor Made Systems worldwide. “With Mike’s promotion, we are confident that Taylor Made Systems will continue to meet and exceed our customers’ OEM needs now and in the years to come,” Petit added. “He will provide the leadership to further unify and expand our engineering offices, ensuring the long-term development of new and innovative products and bolstering our ability to provide on-site engineering services for our customers – a necessity in this ever-changing industry.” Johnson, who served for over 12 years as General Manager of Taylor Made Systems Georgia, played a key role in opening the initial facility in Tifton, Ga. in 1994. In the ensuing years, Johnson was instrumental in growing the number of associates by more than tenfold and relocating the business to a newer, much larger complex. He also supervised the addition of a canvas department to that facility in 1997. Now, as Director of Fabric Operations, Johnson will manage and lead in the engineering and production of all fabric products for Taylor Made Systems worldwide. “Rick Johnson is well prepared to initiate significant upgrades and improvements in our fabric division. He has been certified by Perry Johnson, Inc. as an ISO lead auditor and is well trained in lean manufacturing principles,” said Petit. “His commitment to quality has been outstanding during his 12 years of service to our company. This move will allow us to establish even more stringent, uniform quality standards for our fabric teams, in addition to enhancing the development of innovative and exciting new products for that market.” A member of the Taylor Made Group®, Taylor Made Systems, based in Gloversville, New York, is the world’s largest manufacturer of marine glazing systems and the acknowledged leader in framed glass windshield technology for powerboats. Other marine product lines include hatches, doors, window systems, portlights and canvas boat tops. The company also supplies glass products for a variety of architectural, agricultural and industrial applications. Headquartered in Gloversville, N.Y., the Taylor Made Group, Inc. has nearly 100 years of experience as one of the recreational marine industry’s largest, most diversified suppliers to boatbuilders and the aftermarket. The Taylor Made Group includes Taylor Made Products, Taylor Made Systems, Taylorbrite LLC, Taylor Made Glass Systems, Trend Marine Products and Water Bonnet Manufacturing, Inc. The Group operates 12 facilities in the United States, the For sales inquiries, contact Taylor Made Systems by phone, +1 518-773-0636 or by e-mail, tms@taylormarine.com. Visit our Website at www.taylormarine.com.
P R E S S R E L E A S E Contacts: Mary Swetits |