Integrating East and West Coast companies, new McClarin Plastics LLC CEO Jerry Armstrong has an ambitious growth plan and he's already started on his 100-day plan to integrate McClarin and Amtech Corp.
The two composite molding companies were combined in April when Hanover, Pa.-based McClarin merged with Blackford Capital LLC's Amtech of Yakima, Wash. McClarin also has a facility in Elmore. Ala.
Armstrong wants to integrate the cultures of the two companies into one based on passion, integrity, innovation and communication.
“I value passion above all else,” he said in a telephone interview.
Armstrong said this is the right time for consolidation in the industry, and he sees it as an opportunity for continued growth.
“I think more manufacturing is coming back to North America and there's more work than we can do,” he said. “As a general guideline, we would like to grow 300 to 400 percent in three to five years.”
He said the new McClarin can grow organically and by more acquisitions.
“I want to diversify our markets. I want a better balance and a diversified product mix,” Armstrong said.
Amtech serves military and commercial markets, while McClarin is a contract manufacturer of large thermoformed and fiberglass reinforced components for industrial, construction, rail, transportation, agricultural and medical customers.
Armstrong sees agriculture and construction as two areas of promise.
Todd Kennedy, the former McClarin CEO, said that he will continue to function in an advisory role as a board member. He will also be active in strategic planning and acquisitions. Doug Christie, the former president of Amtech, also will stay on board.
Armstrong is a former president, executive vice president and general manager of Commercial Vehicle Group Inc. of New Albany, Ohio. During his tenure, CVGI purchased 13 companies and integrated them into one entity.
The new McClarin will have more than 500 employees and 650,000 square feet of manufacturing space.
