SALINE, MICH. — R&B Plastics Machinery LLC, which makes blow molding machines and single-screw extruders in Saline, has named 21-year packaging veteran Fred Piercy as its president and general manager.
Piercy worked for 21 years at Amcor Rigid Plastics in Ann Arbor, Mich., most recently as business director of food and personal care products. He has held management, sales, engineering and manufacturing positions at Amcor and Amcor's U.S. predecessor company, Johnson Controls Inc.
Amcor Rigid Plastics is No. 2 on the Plastics News' ranking of North American blow molders, published in this issue. According to Plastics News and industry estimates, Amcor generated North American sales of $2.27 billion for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2014.
“I'm thrilled to be joining R&B during this exciting period of growth and look forward to expanding our business opportunities in a range of markets,” Piercy said.
R&B builds new blow molding machines, and rebuilds used ones, for a range of markets such as food and beverage, personal care, medical, motor oil and lubricants, household cleaners and lawn/agricultural chemicals. The company makes and rebuilds shuttle blow molding machines, wheels machines reciprocating-screw blow molders. R&B also makes trimming and deflashing equipment.
R&B's sister company, Monroe Mold LLC, makes molds for blow molding in nearby Monroe. Mich.
R&B expanded into extruder manufacturing five years ago.
Piercy has worked in several packaging areas at Amcor. He has served as business director for packaging for spirits, wine and beer, as well as director of manufacturing and operations engineering. Earlier in his career, he held jobs as plant manager, production manager and materials manager.