Former Engel CEO Braig to head Trexel

Steve Braig, former CEO of injection molding machine supplier Engel North America has been appointed president and CEO of Trexel, Inc., the company that developed and commercialized the MuCell microcellular foaming process for injection, blow molding and extrusion processing systems.

The appointment is effective April 19.

Braig will be replacing David Bernstein, who has led the Woburn, Mass.-based Trexel since its inception in 1995. Bernstein will continue to serve on the Trexel Board of Directors.

“Steve has been a knowledgeable and aggressive proponent of our technology for several years”, Bernstein said. “Not only does he bring a wealth of involvement with the North American manufacturing sector, but his experience in the capital equipment industry with various industry technology leaders and his prominence in the plastics industry along with his international business skills will help Trexel drive its global expansion.”

Trexel claims that benefits of the MuCell process include reduced part weight, improved dimensional stability, less warpage, and material savings.

Braig headed Engel North America from 2007 until March 31, 2010, during which time the company has tried to streamline itself for the changing North American injection molding sector. Changes included closing Engel’s large manufacturing facility in Guelph, Ont., and consolidating regional production resources and company headquarters in York, Pa.

Mark Sankovitch, a 20-year veteran of Engel, will replace Braig as the company’s new CEO.