AddisonMckee CEO Announces Retirement and Successor


John Brown, Chief Executive Officer of world-leading tube bending and end-forming technology specialists, AddisonMckee, has announced his phased retirement, commencing January 1st 2009.

Having originally joined the business in 1984, John Brown has provided twenty-five years of dynamic leadership and played a major role in developing AddisonMckee into the world-class, multi-million-dollar technology manufacturer that is well known across automotive manufacturing, aerospace, shipbuilding, as well as numerous other sectors. He will remain in the group as President of European and Asian Operations during an extended interim phase, ensuring a smooth transition and the completion of several on-going strategic projects.

As part of a carefully planned succession strategy, designed to ensure AddisonMckee maintains a consistent strategic approach to the market and its rapid growth, Joe Eramo, currently President of AddisonMckee in North and South America, will take over as global CEO.

"Since joining our business seven years ago," comments Mr. Brown, "Joe Eramo has demonstrated his leadership abilities and success by guiding the North American division of AddisonMckee to six consecutive years of record sales revenue and been the recipient of two widely recognized lean manufacturing awards. It will, therefore, come as no surprise that I appoint him as my successor."

Comments Mr. Eramo, "John Brown has been instrumental in the globalization of AddisonMckee and I look forward to the challenge of continuing the execution of our plans for the benefit of our customers and our associates."

About AddisonMckee

2008 winners of Managing Automation magazine's Progressive Manufacturing 50 Awards - a prestigious award based on an organization's ability to use information and automation technologies to transform its business and create a sustainable competitive advantage - AddisonMckee is globally renowned for the design, manufacture and supply of some of the world's finest tube bending and end forming technologies - for increasingly complex automotive, aviation, truck and shipbuilding requirements.

In addition, AddisonMckee also offers highly innovative muffler and catalytic converter assembly solutions, hydraulic press machinery, tube inspection systems, plant automation and complete workcell integration.

Along with these capabilities, a whole range of tooling and accessory options are also provided, as are comprehensive maintenance and service contracts, training and education programs and financial services. Where applicable, AddisonMckee is also able to offer customers the opportunity of machine rebuilds, refurbishment, upgrades and trade-ins.

From its state-of-the-art manufacturing centers in the USA, United Kingdom, Canada and China, AddisonMckee is committed to providing rapid solutions to market and also regularly assists clients in product prototyping, parts development, small production runs and pre-production sample development.

AddisonMckee is principally owned by WHI Capital Partners (WHICP), a Chicago-based private equity group that invests in middle market, industry-leading companies with solid financial fundamentals and proven management teams. WHICP is an affiliate of William Harris Investors, Inc., a family-based asset management firm founded by Irving B. Harris in 1987.

For further information please contact:
Rachel Jones - BHL Marketing
E-mail: rachel@bhlmarketing.com
Tel: +44 (0) 1244 851850
Fax: +44 (0) 1244 851888

Christian Rogiers - AddisonMckee
E-mail: crogiers@addisonmckee.com
Tel: +1 513 228 7076
Fax: +1 513 228 7226

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