Bandit Industries’ owners, one of whom serves as president, decided it was time to bring in a chief executive officer.Bandit Industries, makers of chippers, grinders, mulchers and skid steer/compact track loader attachments, has named its first CEO in John Mocny.
Mocny has been with Bandit since February, after serving in engineering and management capacities with General Motors and Caterpillar.
John MocnyMoving forward, owners Mike, Dianne and Jerry Morey say they will remain involved with the operations and management of Bandit, with Jerry Morey continuing to serve as the company’s president.
“We decided to bring in a CEO to take better advantage of the opportunities before us, and to help take Bandit to another level,” Jerry Morey says. “It was important for us to find someone with exceptional leadership experience, but also someone who understands the manufacturing side and can relate to our customers. John is also a Michigan native, and he shares the pride we have in our community and our state. He’s a down-to-earth leader and with him on board, Bandit is poised to have our best year ever in 2016.”
Mocny praised the Morey family for building “something special with Bandit Industries.”
“The company culture and pride that exists here is incredible, and it’s infectious,” the new CEO said. “It’s easy to see why owners and crews are proud of their Bandit equipment, and I’m grateful to be a part of it all. Building on Bandit’s success will be a continuing journey of sustainable growth. It’s a journey I’m looking forward to taking.”
Mocny is an alumnus of Michigan State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, and of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York, where he earned a master’s in engineering science and management.
Takeuchi names global training manager
Takeuchi-US, a manufacturer of compact equipment, has promoted David Steger to the position of global training manager. The newly created position will provide the latest technical training to Takeuchi subsidiaries and distributors around the world,
David Stegeraccording to the company. Steger has worked for Takeuchi since 2004 and most recently held the position of national product manager.
In addition to coordinating training for the worldwide market, Steger will help develop technical training materials and work toward implementing a new online knowledge database. He will also begin development on a digital learning management system with fresh digital content.
“David has been with Takeuchi for nearly 12 years and certainly is deserving of this promotion,” said Clay Eubanks, president, Takeuchi-US. “I am confident that he will continue to provide world-class training both here and abroad.”
Ruppert chooses fleet and facilities director
Ruppert Landscape recently hired Greg Franklin as director of fleet and facilities. Franklin brings over 19 years of management experience ranging from operations to logistics, including transportation, warehouse and distribution management. Most
Greg Franklinrecently, he served as senior distribution center manager for the Kellogg Company in Hagerstown, MD. He has also held positions as warehouse manager and transportation manager during his 10-year tenure with Kellogg.
“We are fortunate to have the growth and opportunity to add support not only for our fleet department but for facilities as well,” said Phil Key, president. “Greg will provide strategic direction, analysis, organization and leadership to these two areas that are vital to our culture, as they reflect our image and give our team the resources needed to do their jobs well and better serve our customers.”
In his role as director of fleet and facilities, Franklin will oversee the purchase and maintenance of Ruppert Landscape’s fleet and equipment, including more than 350 vehicles, 160 trailers, 500 mowers and 2,100 2-cycle pieces of equipment.
In addition, he will be responsible for overseeing the development and maintenance of all Ruppert Landscape facilities, including 15 shop and office locations along the east coast from Atlanta to Philadelphia and Houston.
Franklin resides in Rockville, Maryland, with his wife, Anne, and their two children. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Radford University.
Kawasaki Engines Division has new leader
Nelson Wilner, an experienced marketing and sales professional, has been named executive director at the Engines Division of Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. The appointment is effective immediately. Wilner will report to Rodger Howe, vice president.
Nelson WilnerWilner comes to the engines division after more than 20 years in the marine and recreational vehicle industries, serving with manufacturers of hydraulic, diesel-powered generators and harsh-environment electrical products. He’s also worked in executive capacities in the building products industry.
Several key functions within the Kawasaki Engines group will report to Wilner, including dealer sales, marketing, order service, logistics, and information technology.
Wilner was instrumental in establishing a European distribution center for Bennett Marine, and he also set-up the U.S. division of Italian generator manufacturer Mase Generators S,p.A.
A 15-year resident of the Grand Rapids area, Wilner spent a large part of his early career in Florida. He holds an MBA with a specialty in international business from Nova Southeastern University, and a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Nova Southeastern University/ University of Florida.
Kawasaki currently markets more than 40 general purpose engines, most of which are produced by Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp., U.S.A. in its Maryville, Missouri, plant. The facility has turned out more than eight million units.
