Released: July 15th, 2004
Mr. Paolo Maccario, President and CEO, Meridian Technologies Inc., the automotive industry's largest supplier of magnesium die casting assemblies, is pleased to announce the re-structuring of its Executive Organization that will allow for focus in key, targeted areas of growth. Says Mr. Maccario, "This reorganization will more effectively address the global market conditions in today's competitive automotive environment and will allow us to more quickly and effectively understand and respond to our customer's needs across the world, while maintaining the exchange of best practices."
Effective July 1st, Mr. Kris Pfaehler has joined Meridian Technologies Inc. in the capacity of Vice President, Business Development and Marketing. Mr. Pfaehler brings over 28 years of experience and knowledge in the automotive industry which will aid in building Meridian's position in the global automotive market place, extending to new products, services, and customers. Previously, Mr. Pfaehler was Vice President, Sales and Marketing for STRATTEC Security Corporation, also a leading automotive supplier
Mr. Tony Walsh is appointed to the newly created position of Vice President, North America and Asia Pacific Operations. In this position, Mr. Walsh will be responsible for all business operations, including manufacturing, engineering, program management and quality activities. Previously, Mr. Walsh was Vice President, Global Operations.
Mr. Len Miller is appointed to the newly created position of Vice President, European Operations. This position's primary focus will be to capitalize in the rapidly expanding magnesium market in the European region along with creating a cohesive team to effectively serve a wide and diverse customer base. Mr. Miller will be responsible for all business and manufacturing activities across Europe. He will be tasked with restructuring the European Operations in order to address the demands of today's marketplace. Mr. Miller previously held the position of Vice President, Technology located at Meridian's Global Technology Center, Strathroy, Ontario.
Mr. Maccario further states that, "This change will help us better achieve Meridian's objective to grow the penetration of existing magnesium products, create new magnesium products and applications in key areas such as powertrain and chassis systems, and develop additional profitable business with new customers providing them with proven solutions to the need for their vehicles and securing a prosperous future for our employees shareholders and suppliers."
Meridian Technologies is the global automotive industry's largest producer of high pressure magnesium die castings, having the largest market share in such commodity groups as instrument panel and cross car beams, transfer cases, and steering column supports. It has 6 manufacturing facilities across the globe, MPD in Ontario (Canada), MPA in Michigan (USA), MPI in Verres (Italy), MTUK in Nottinghamshire (United Kingdom) and SMMP in Shanghai (China). Its Global Technology Center in Strathroy, Ontario houses Meridian's extensive design and engineering resources which utilizes the latest computer-aided engineering tools for vehicle performance simulation to enable the creation of robust designs that successfully provide lightweight magnesium solutions.
For further information please contact Kris Pfaehler at kpfaehler@meridian-mag.com or call (519) 246-9600 Ext. 193 (Strathroy Office) (734) 416-8600 Ext. 242 (Detroit Office)