Avalon Precision Metalsmiths Announces New CEO/President

    CLEVELAND, OH, November 07, 2016 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Avalon Precision Metalsmiths is pleased to announce the promotion of David Palivec to CEO and President.

Palivec joined the Cleveland-based investment casting company in 2015 as Vice President of Sales and Marketing. In his new role, he now has primary responsibility for P&L, leadership of the management team, revenue growth, channel development and strategic acquisitions.

Before joining Avalon, Palivec served for seven years as director of Sales and Product Development for Beckett Gas, a manufacturer of natural gas combustion systems. His previous experience includes over 16 years with Empire Die Casting Co., where he held positions ranging from die maker's apprentice to Vice President of Engineering and Sales. He also served on the Board of Directors for Empire.

"I'm pleased to take the helm at such a dynamic time in Avalon Precision Metalsmiths' history," Palivec said.

He cited the expansion of the company's work within the aerospace industry (further enabled by the additional AS9100 certification of its Jackson, Wis., investment casting plant earlier this year) along with the debut of Avalon's 1911 handgun frame as two particularly exciting developments for the Cleveland-based manufacturer.

Replacing Palivec as Vice President of Sales and Marketing is Thomas Ward, who joined Avalon in 2004 as National Sales Manager. His primary responsibilities include sales force growth and retention, target market segment expansion and growth, and current customer retention and growth.

Other members of Avalon Precision Metalsmiths' executive team include:
- Chief Financial Officer David J. Benisek Jr., who joined the company in that role in early 2016. His primary responsibilities include leadership of the finance and accounting group, financial reporting, planning and analysis, internal controls over financial reporting, banking relationships and working capital management, cost management and strategic acquisition. A certified public accountant, he previously served as Corporate Operations Controller for ERICO International Corp.
- Vice President of Engineering Kevin Glazier, who has been with Avalon for 21 years. Glazier has responsibility for all of the engineering activities at each of Avalon's manufacturing locations, including new product introduction, process specifications and improvements, and research & development. He also oversees Avalon's in-house tool and die facility.
- Director of Global Sourcing Scot Ferguson, who joined Avalon Precision Metalsmiths in 2015. He leads the expansion of Avalon's global supply base and the implementation of strategic alliances to support the company's growth with Chinese casting capabilities, including high-pressure die casting, sand casting, permanent mold casting and investment casting.
- Director of Operations Tony Ansorge, who joined Craft Cast Co. (which later merged with Avalon Precision Castings) in 1988. He is currently responsible for the company's Cleveland and Jackson facilities. Ansorge previously worked throughout Avalon's foundry as well as in engineering.
- Director of Operations Gary Berghammer, who joined Avalon Precision Metalsmiths' Markesan, Wis., facility (then Precision Metalsmiths, Inc. PMI) in 1994. He has served as Director of Operations at Markesan since 2011. Before that, Berghammer worked in various quality, customer service and production positions throughout the plant.
- Sales Manager John Pallenik, who joined Precision Metalsmiths in that position in 2006. His primary responsibility is aerospace and commercial sales and customer service for the Markesan location.
- Human Resources/EHS Manager Lindsey Krauth, who joined Avalon in 2013 as the business' Human Resources Manager for all locations. Her primary responsibilities are consultation to management on strategic staffing plans, compensation, benefits, training and development, compliance, succession planning, budget and labor relations. She also oversees and manages EHS functions for the business.

Another crucial team member is Mel Kman, who rejoins Avalon Precision Metalsmiths as a consultant and mentor. Along with his partner John W. Kemper, Kman developed Avalon Precision Casting Co. into a highly respected and competitive leader in the investment casting industry. Since the 2012 sale of Avalon, he has served as an industry consultant and as a member of the Hinckley Township (Ohio) Zoning Board.

Along with Craft Cast and Precision Metalsmiths, Avalon Precision Casting is a predecessor to the current company, which formed when the merged Avalon and Craft Cast joined forces with Precision Metalsmiths in 2014.

About Avalon Precision Metalsmiths
Operating three facilities in Cleveland, Ohio, and Jackson and Markesan, Wis., as well as off-shore capabilities in China, Avalon Precision Metalsmiths offers precision investment casting, also known as lost wax casting, for a variety of materials, including stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, brass & bronze, and specialty alloys. The company manufactures castings meeting requirements for high quality and durability for the toughest industrial applications in industries such as fluid power, oil & gas, food & dairy, medical, power generation, hardware & locks, military & firearms, and agriculture. Avalon provides value-added services such as the design and build for all internal tooling, vacuum-assist technology, in-house heat treat, machining, assembly & NDT, rapid prototyping and supply chain management.

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