WCA November 2023

People

Marking 30 years at Metalube Metalube Ltd is celebrating the 30-year journey of Albert Molloy, global product manager for OCG and non-ferrous drawing lubricants. As an integral part of the Metalube family, the company says that Mr Molloy’s contribution, dedication and impact have been instrumental in shaping its success and global position. Mr Molloy was formerly a structural engineer who transitioned into working for a family business manufacturing wire drawing dies. It was during this time that he first crossed paths with Metalube founder David Lee – an encounter that marked the beginning of a journey that has spanned three decades. Highlights of Mr Molloy’s 30 years include developing new accounts and playing a role in expanding Metalube’s business in regions such as Turkey, the UK, Europe and beyond. Reflecting on his initial motivation for joining Metalube, he said, “A change in personal circumstances made me seek new challenges beyond my secure environment. The accountability and challenge of moving the company forward in the early Leadership change at Schwäbische Werkzeugmaschinen

years required me to be focused and be deliverable when developing new opportunities.” Mr Molloy has witnessed significant changes within the company, and notes that it has evolved into a more diverse organisation, embracing new horizons and markets. Throughout his time with the company,

Albert Molloy (front-right) marks his anniversary with the company

Mr Molloy has collaborated with a range of colleagues and teams. Looking to the future, with a focus on North America, he aims to lead Metalube in gaining a substantial market share in the region, with a new phase of growth and expansion. Metalube Group www.metalube.co.uk

In addition to the Asian region, SW is looking at North America and Mexico, as it aims to expand its position as a producer of intelligent manufacturing solutions, especially for large components in the field of electromobility.

Kai Pieronczyk has been appointed commercial managing director of Schwäbische Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH (SW), a producer of multi-spindle CNC machining centres based in Waldmössingen, Germany. Mr Pieronczyk takes over from Markus Schmolz, who left at the end of 2022 after 21 years with the company. In his new role at SW, Mr Pieronczyk will focus on the company’s growing inter national operations. “It’s key to have first-hand contacts in the respective country – from logistics to sales and after-sales ser vice,” said Mr Pieronczyk. “This requires personal relationships, local networks and a reliable range of services locally.” With many years of experience in the areas of finance and controlling, information technology, purchasing and purchasing optimisation, and supply chain management, especially in Asia, the business graduate previously served as head of overall commercial management at the Chinese site of a German automotive supplier.

Image source: Schwäbische Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH

Kai Pieronczyk

the organisation, including scoutmaster, council vice president, council commissioner, vice president of camping, and delegate to the National Council, where he served on the National Committee on Youth Protection. Cur Leach, Anderson Thermal’s new national sales manager, will be assuming Mr McKechnie’s responsibilities. IR Thermal Systems designs and manufactures process heating solutions including hot air ovens, infrared and hybrid ovens, electric infrared heaters, gas infrared heaters and infrared lamps. It was founded in 2020 by the former executives of Radiant Energy Systems, Inc and Anderson Thermal Devices, Inc, and purchased most of the assets of those two companies. It continues to service installations for all prior customers. Infrared-Air Thermal Systems, LLC www.ir-thermal.com SW’s smart manufacturing solutions range from CNC machining centres with modular automation to self-sufficient manufacturing cells, complete manufacturing systems and their associated software solutions. The company produces multi-spindle machining centres for cutting all kinds of materials. Its manufacturing solutions are used in the automotive, electromobility, agricultural and construction machinery, medical technology and aerospace industries. Schwäbische Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH www.sw-machines.com

John McKechnie retires from IR Thermal Systems Infrared-Air Thermal Systems, LLC (IR Thermal Systems) has announced the retirement of John McKechnie, former sales manager for Anderson Thermal Devices. Mr McKechnie joined Radiant Energy Systems (RES) in 2005, having built a relationship with the company while working with Converting

Concepts Inc, a RES customer. Bob Narang asked him to lead sales and marketing at Anderson Thermal Devices Inc. Besides his 48-year marriage, Mr McKechnie is most proud of his association with the Boy Scouts of America. He joined the Scouts as an eight-year-old Cub Scout, and was continuously registered for 67 years. He held many volunteer positions in

John McKechnie

30

www.read-wca.com

November 2023