Auto supplier SRG Global Inc. has picked its newest leader from its own ranks.
Dave Prater, who takes over as president and CEO of the Warren, Mich.-based injection molder, had led the company's Advance Development Group and its tooling group previously, helping to create the firm's status in molding and coating interior and exterior trim.
He replaces Kevin Baird, who is moving on to the flat glass group of SRG's parent company, Guardian Industries Corp.
Guardian created SRG in 2008 when it purchased Seigel-Robert Inc.'s automotive unit. Since then, the company has focused on becoming a specialist in coated plastics, especially chromed parts.
As vice president of engineering, Prater was key in launching an advanced development center which emphasized the best ways to take new production from the laboratory to commercial volume capabilities.
SRG is the fourth largest injection molder in North America according to Plastics News rankings, with more than $900 million in estimated sales during 2012.