Blooming Prairie, MN, September 2013 Minimizer is pleased to announce the addition of James L. Richards as Vice President of Operations. Jim brings more than 15 years of leadership experience to the Minimizer team. During his career he has successfully led companies to sales growth and bottom line growth through maximization of their new product development initiatives.
At the same time he helped companies achieve key manufacturing goals. Jim has a deep knowledge of continuous process improvement and quality practices and he has spearheaded lean manufacturing and ISO 9000 certification.
Most recently, Jim was the Vice President of Technical Services for the world-wide dispenser division of DS Smith Plastics. Here he spent more than 11 years providing guidance, strategic development and new product expansions for this $35 million division. Jim specialized in the development and manufacture of injection molded products and assemblies for consumer packaging, medical, and industrial products.
Craig Kruckeberg, Minimizer’s CEO and Chief Visionary, wanted someone with Jim’s expertise when he created the position. “Having a growth orientated, innovation minded leader like Jim on board will expedite Minimizer’s expansion as a world-wide industry leader. He shares our vision and we are pleased to have him as part of the executive team.”
Jim’s responsibilities at Minimizer will include overseeing quality, new product development and manufacturing, as well as ensuring efficient and secure shipping to distributors and end-users. The new position stems from Minimizer’s goal to become a world-class manufacturer and supplier of heavy-duty plastic fenders, floor mats and accessories.
Mr. Richards learned about the opportunity via LinkedIn and knew he wanted the position. “This is a unique and exciting opportunity to get in at the ground-floor level of a flourishing, expanding company. My previous experience in plastics, new product development and lean automation allows me to bring strong skill sets to the leadership role. It’s a role I will develop and thrive in.”
Jim went on to say that Minimizer’s growth orientation and innovation already make them industry leaders. “Our growing team and emphasis on excellence will only further fortify us as we become world-class manufactures and suppliers to the industry we serve.”
As a family owned business, Minimizer doesn’t want someone only concerned about globalization, though. Again, Jim fit the bill. “As we grow, a focus of mine will always be to make sure that I am employee orientated. I want to continue honoring Minimizer’s tradition of family-owned, small town values that permeate the company. It’s important to me that our employees are always well taken care of.”
And Jim knows what it means to take care of things. He served as a Section Chief in the Persian Gulf War from 1989-1992.
Minimizer is pleased to have such a seasoned, qualified Vice President of Operations to assist with the Company’s growth objectives.
Leveraging over 27 years of manufacturing expertise at its state-of-the-art facility in Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, Minimizer delivers semi truck fenders, heavy-duty truck floor mats and accessories that enhance the performance of all makes and models of over the road trucks, construction vehicles, or agriculture equipment. Check it out at the “Proving Grounds” video!
About Minimizer
Enhance and protect your vehicle with Minimizer products. The toughness is unmatched as seen on this Minimizer promotional video entitled“Tested & Tortured”.
Minimizer poly fenders and related products are available through exclusive Minimizer distributors. For more information or to contact a dealer, call (800) 248-3855, visit our website or email us at info@highbarbrands.com.
Headquartered in Blooming Prairie, Minn., Minimizer manufactures poly truck fenders, poly Tool Boxes, customized mud flaps, and bracket kits. Family owned and operated for nearly three generations, Minimizer parent company Spray Control Systems, Inc., was founded in 1983. Minimizer aims to provide products tough enough to please tough people in a tough industry. For more information call (800) 248-3855 or visithttps://www.minimizer.com///.
