Winter 2011 / 12.12.2011
Cotton to Composites: Introducing New EVP/COO Greg Tilton
In March 2011, Greg Tilton joined MFG as executive vice president and chief operating officer. Although not a composites industry veteran, he is a proven operations executive — most recently running operations for U.S. Cotton. Greg spent 13 years there as part of the senior management team working on top-line growth, managing bottom-line results and developing corporate-wide strategic initiatives. When the company ownership changed, Greg and his wife Gina — who are raising three children in Ohio — were asked to relocate to North Carolina. The opportunity to join MFG and keep their family in the heartland they love was a perfect fit both personally and professionally.
“Greg brings both a depth of experience and youthful...
published 12.12.2011
South Dakota’s Governor Daugaard Stops at MFG SD on “Top Manufacturers Tour”
On November 22, the governor of South Dakota and members of his economic team visited MFG SD in Aberdeen for a full facility tour and discussion on his efforts to boost the state’s economy and employment. Governor Dennis Daugaard first visited MFG SD when he announced his candidacy for office in 2010. This stop, however, was part of fulfilling a promise he made to personally become familiar with the top manufacturing companies to better...
published 12.12.2011
MFG Tray’s Tom Woods Wins New Product Contest with Fiber Glass Curb Cut Design
The New Product Development Committee announced that the winner of the MFG New Product Development Contest is Tom Woods, product line manager of confectionery and pharmaceutical products at MFG Tray Company. Tom submitted a design concept for fiber glass “curb cuts” that replaces traditional concrete. Curb cuts are the sloped ramp areas that enable wheelchairs, pedestrians using walkers or canes, strollers, wheeled carts and bicycles to...
published 12.12.2011
Gary Kanaby — Blade Expert and High Seas Adventurer — Takes Helm for Wind Energy Sales
As part of MFG’s commitment to expansion and growth in the wind energy market, Gary Kanaby joined the company in April as director of sales for wind energy. Gary is responsible for managing sales for Wind Energy Services Company (WES) as well as MFG’s composite blade and nacelle manufacturing entities.
For the last decade, Gary has been deeply involved in the wind blade manufacturing and service business, most recently as an...
published 12.12.2011
COO Roger Nielsen of Daimler Trucks North America Visits MFG NC
It’s not every day that the COO of a major concern like Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) pulls into your parking lot for a visit — and even more unusual when he arrives driving an 18-wheeler.
Roger Nielsen is a not a typical COO, and one thing that sets him apart is his extreme enthusiasm for trucks and trucking — not just manufacturing them, but actually driving them. He has a Commercial Driver License, and, in order to...
published 12.12.2011
New Markets
MFG Now Supplying Spare Composite Parts for Wind Turbines
MFG is now supplying spare and replacement parts for older turbines. Operators of ageing fleets now have a premium resource for aftermarket replacement blades, nose cones, nacelles, hatch covers and other FRP components that are no longer stocked by the OEM.
Traditionally, MFG has primarily been a supplier of FRP components to wind energy OEM’s. As the population of...
published 12.12.2011
Standing for Excellence
One Million Man Hours… and Counting
For a remarkable third time, MFG NC has been recognized by the North Carolina Department of Labor for a million hours logged without a lost time accident. It takes almost three years to accumulate one million man hours, and the teammates accomplished this feat in less than 10 years. We salute your commitment to safety and the example you set for everyone at...
published 12.12.2011
Milestones
MFG Texas Ships 1000th Set of 37-meter Blades
MFG Texas in Gainesville celebrated the shipment of their 1000th set of 37-meter composite wind blades in May. Located in the wind farm hotbed of the US, MFG Texas has been manufacturing wind blades since 1997 and employs approximately 200 teammates. The shipment marking the 1000th set milestone was comprised of 37-meter blades for 1500kw turbines. This factory has also produced another...
published 12.12.2011
In The Community
MFG Union City Supplies Car Parts for the Famous Soap Box Derby
Components from MFG UC were chosen this year for the All American Soap Box Derby’s Master Stock racing cars. The event, begun in 1934, allows boys and girls ages 8–17 to compete in homemade, non-motorized cars for scholarships and other prizes. The 989-foot downhill racing course is sometimes referred to as the “Greatest Amateur Racing Event in the World” and the...
