Personnel notes

Sierra expands role for existing salesman

Bakersfield, California-based Sierra International Machinery has announced industry veteran Brian Mihm will add responsibilities to accelerate the company’s sales of Macpresse balers.

“Brian has done a tremendous job heading up sales of our REB two-ram balers,” says Jose Pereyra, general sales manager for Sierra. “He has more than 20 years of application knowledge in MRF (material recovery facility) and recycling plant applications. This is critical to ensuring plant operators and systems integrators receive the best possible machine for the job.”

“We’re thrilled that Brian has accepted this additional responsibility with Sierra,” says John Sacco, Sierra president. “Brian has done great work since joining Sierra. This expansion of his responsibilities is reflective of that and part of our commitment to Macpresse.

“We’ve represented the Macpresse products for some 20 years,” Sacco continues. “Our customers are thrilled with them. With Brian leading the charge, more people will be introduced to the products and all of their benefits.”

Mihm says of his expanded role, “I’m excited about getting more involved with the Macpresse product line. They are highly reliable balers that our customers are very happy with. Being able to offer a two-ram or single-ram solution also sets Sierra apart. No other supplier can provide both solutions.”

Sierra says Macpresse offers a full line of high-speed auto-tie balers ideal for baling OCC (old corrugated containers), mixed recyclables, MSW (municipal solid waste) and other materials.

Sierra is the exclusive North American representative for Macpresse balers. The firm offers a comprehensive parts inventory and factory-trained technicians.

“Service has always been the hallmark for Sierra,” Mihm says. “We have millions of dollars in spare parts to ensure that our customers are never left waiting or subjected to prolonged downtime.”

Sierra is a supplier of recycling machinery, including ferrous shears, balers and shear/baler/loggers; two-ram balers; single-ram balers; and electric material handlers.

Maren Engineering adds operations manager

Baler manufacturer Maren Engineering, South Holland, Illinois, has added Larry King as operations manager.

“Larry King possesses the expertise that will help bring Maren to that next level of operational efficiency,” Maren President Todd Wondrow says.

“We’ve worked hard in the last few years introducing the Propak line of balers, starting with the Propak60 closed-door, the Propak A series open-end auto-tie and most recently the Propak 2R series two-ram balers,” he adds. “The strong market appetite for these successful balers, plus continued strength of our Legacy line, puts new demands on our organization. After 53 years in business, we see a real need to get better at growth. Larry has been a strategic addition to our management team and is helping us do just that.”

An expert in process flow efficiencies, King is spearheading efforts to further strengthen Maren’s workflow processes, the company says. With an overall goal to identify and implement process improvements for Maren, he will commit much of his time to scheduling, on-time delivery, recruiting team members with skills that match labor needs, employee training, workforce motivation and safety.

Maren says King is approaching his new role with enthusiasm.

“We need the wheels on the wagon to match, to be of the same size and to be turning independently but in the same direction,” King says. “If we can optimize the articulation of each wheel with the wagon’s end destination, we will get there most efficiently, with both time and money to spare.”

King has 30 years’ experience in the steel and transportation industries, coupled with positions and consultancies with manufacturers, Maren says.

Founded in 1962, Maren Engineering designs and builds balers, shredders and related equipment for the recycling, paper converting, boxboard, plastics and solid waste industries, offering distribution and service throughout North America.

MODRoto names new president

Recycling cart manufacturer MODRoto, Madison, Indiana, has named business strategist, Lean Six Sigma authority and speaker J.R. Ryan president and chief operating officer.

An executive with a 30-year track record for driving revenue growth and profitability, Ryan is responsible for overall business results, including strategic direction and growth of the company’s multiple business units, which include Poly-Trux recycling and laundry carts; Ship Shape material handling containers; Pool Shot Products pool, spa and recreational products; lighted furniture; wedding and event décor; fuel tanks and custom rotational design; and molding services, MODRoto says.

With successful tenures leading companies involved in textile manufacturing, linen and uniform rental and management consulting, Ryan brings to the position a combination of veteran leadership experience and hands-on, operational skills, says David Tingue, CEO of MODRoto’s parent company, Tingue, Brown & Co.

“J.R. has delivered measurable results for several different companies in a variety of markets, he’s built our TBR Associates consulting firm from square one to a national presence, and I’m looking forward to seeing his imprint on MODRoto,” says Tingue, referring to Ryan’s position as president of TBR Associates, which specializes in process improvement, Lean Six Sigma, management development and other services. He retains this position.

At MODRoto, Ryan spearheads an organization with four plants nationally. The company was recently ranked as the 16th largest rotational molder in North America by Plastics News.

According to the company, Ryan plans to focus on providing a diverse selection of recycling carts with the customer service, production rates and cost structure required to meet the needs of the recycling industry.

He is a graduate of St. Francis University, Loretto, Pennsylvania, with a Bachelor of Science degree in business management and a former member of the board of directors for the alumni association. He resides with his wife and two children in Solebury, Pennsylvania.