I am pleased to announce that PPCP has hired a new staff member to our team. Steven Bates will be joining us in the role of Staff Metallurgist. Steve has worked in the foundry industry for 37 years. He ran the metallurgy Department at Quaker Alloy for my Grandfather for many years. Since then he has worked in Foundry Operations for PRL, ITT Goulds, and most recently for Ashland Foundry as their Foundry Operations Technical Director. We are fortunate to have someone with his level of skill and knowledge join our team.
Steve will oversee technical metallurgy areas as well as our lab operations. We intend to increase our testing capabilities. Steve will also be integral in working with Rick Schmidt and our manufacturing teams to bring process improvements that will reduce scrap, reduce returns, and increase efficiencies through better processing of our metals. Other areas of strength for Steve are Welding and Heat Treat. Having his experience in these areas will strengthen those operations as well.