Cascade Engineering Inc. is undergoing a transition as President Mark Miller will also add the role of CEO, replacing founder Fred Keller, who has led the company for 41 years.
Keller was a key factor in building the company to where it is today — with 11 diversified business units, 1,300 employees and 14 facilities in the United States and Europe. He will still retain the titles of Founder and Chair of Cascade Engineering.
“I am thrilled to be able to transition my CEO responsibilities to Mark and am confident that he is the right choice at the right time to lead our efforts for continued growth, prosperity and innovation. Our family and our Board of Directors have expressed their complete support for Mark and his ability to lead Cascade Engineering in the future,” Keller said in a statement.
Miller, who was named president of Cascade Engineering in 2013, has also served as president of CK Technologies, group vice president of the transportation group and chief strategy officer for the Cascade family of companies.
Keller also said that Miller embraces the company's core philosophy of “People, Plant, Profit,” and will continue to enhance the company's social, environmental and economic goals.
Miller is a 25-year veteran of the transportation industry with particular experience in injection molding painting and electroplating. He's worked with virtually all major OEMs in the commercial truck and automotive sectors. Prior to joining CK Technologies in 2006, he worked in the Tier 1 automotive supply sector.
“Fred Keller and Cascade Engineering have created much more than a successful company during the last 40 years. CE's commitment to its employees, the community and environment has created a truly revolutionary business model that I am honored to step in and help advance,” said Miller, in a news release.
Keller, who won the Spirit of Michigan Award in 2013, will continue to focus on CE's long-term governance and help make sure it upholds its values. He is the Executive in Residence at the Center for Positive Organizations at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business. He also continues to work as a member of the Kellogg Foundation Board and with Talent 2025, K-connect and the Grand River Restoration steering committee.