Hyde IBS Veteran Tapped to Lead New Product Development Initiatives for Customers
Southbridge, MAÂ – Hyde Industrial Blade Solutions (IBS), a leading manufacturer of industrial knives and blades, today announced that Leon Lavallee has been promoted to the role of Product Development Manager. In this position, Lavallee will be responsible for spearheading the company’s efforts in product design development for new and existing markets.
“Having worked across countless industries and applications, Leon has real-world experience in helping engineer solutions in product manufacturing and processing, and trouble-shooting issues on production lines,” said Rob Scoble, President, Hyde IBS. “He has the ability to conceptualize new product concepts and bring them to life for our customers.”
Starting originally as a die-maker apprentice, Lavallee rose through the ranks at Hyde taking over the die maker role and eventually being promoted to machine shop and die room supervisor. Several years ago, he assumed the role of director of the internal manufacturing support group and took management responsibility for quality control across the organization while overseeing Hyde’s industrial engineering groups. Prior to this recent promotion, Lavallee served as director of technical support at the 140 year old firm.
During his tenure at Hyde, Lavallee has participated in numerous lean manufacturing programs and ran several Kaizen continuous improvement initiatives for the company. Through the end of 2013, he also led the firm’s ISO recertification process. In his new role, he will also work hand-in-hand with Hyde’s sales teams to increase quality control, yield and operational efficiencies in the field for customers.
Backed by 140 years of experience, Hyde Industrial Blade Solutions is a leading producer of industrial knives and blades for a wide variety of markets including food processing, cloth and textile and leather, hose and tube, tire and rubber, package converting, paper and packaging and abrasives as well as for general industrial applications. Hyde Tools, Inc. is the largest manufacturer of industrial machine and hand knives and tools for remodeling, restoration, building trades and do-it-yourselfers in North America.
For more information, contact Hyde IBS, 54 Eastford Road, Southbridge, MA 01550. Phone: 800-872-4933. Or by visiting our website at www.hydeblades.com
CONTACT: Eric Pfeiffer, Hyde IBS, 508-764-4344 x2205 or epfeiffer@hydetools.com
