K-2007 Update: Battenfeld names new CEO/managing director for N. America

Austrian injection molding machine manufacturer Battenfeld Injection Molding has used the occasion of the K-2007 show in Dusseldorf, Germany, to announce several appointments, including a new CEO/manager, as well as fiscal and machinery developments.

The company revealed that Michael Wecker takes over as CEO/manager of the companys North America division, which is headquartered in South Elgin, Ill. Wecker comes to the organization as the former senior sales manager for Husky Injection Molding.

Additionally, Battenfeld announced the appointment of Terry Roddick as service manager at the Elgin facility.

Battenfeld also announced the reintroduction of its large HM 800 T injection molding machine, a two-platen machine equipped for the manufacture of bulky parts with a large surface or large volume.

And the company used the occasion of the K-2007 show to report that that it expects to reach the break-even point by the end of fiscal 2008, following on the heels of a 10 per cent increase in sales for 2007. These developments come one year after the takeover of the Battenfeld organization by ADCURAM. Battenfelds previous owner had been the SMS Group.

During the first few months, we concentrated on a thorough reorganization of the company, said Alexander Muller, managing director of Battenfeld. Corrective measures in human resources were necessary. We have had great support from the company staff, and thanks to this joint effort we have succeeded in setting the right course for the future.

Finally, the company informed Canadian Plastics that it is seeking sales representatives for the Ontario region.