Quantum Plastics LLC will continue to look at acquisitions as a way to grow while the firm's top two executives take on new titles.
Quantum has appointed Ron Embree as president and CEO, moving on from his previous position as president and chief operating officer. Morris Rowlett, the former CEO, will continue as Quantum's chairman. The diverse Elgin, Ill.-based plastics processor announced the changes Sept. 15, when they became effective.
Embree has a long track record with Quantum predecessor companies. In 2006, he founded River Bend Industries, leading the acquisition of the Fort Smith, Ark., operation when its former owner, Moll Industries Inc., planned to close the facility.
Embree was a former Moll president and longtime employee who had run the Fort Smith operation.
In 2008 River Bend purchased Victor Plastics Inc. out of bankruptcy. In 2015 River Bend became part of Quantum Plastics LLC when that company consolidated four plastics operations. Embree became Quantum President and COO while Rowlett was named CEO.
Quantum's main market sectors are appliances and automotive.
"We want to identify a third leg and acquisition is one way to do that," Embree said in a phone interview.
As Quantum's chairman, Rowlett will focus on mergers and acquisitions, Quantum's main growth strategy in the past several years.
"We have a nice offering of products and processes with plants throughout the United States and Mexico," Rowlett told Plastics News. "But we're not done. We plan to grow organically and through acquisition."
Quantum is a strategic acquisitor and is looking to expand its geographic footprint, customer base and tool kit of processing technologies, Rowlett indicated.
Quantum's seven subsidiaries span custom injection molding, blow molding, painting, decorating and assembly. Its injection molding technologies include gas assist and insert molding. Overall, Quantum runs more than 300 injection presses with clamping forces of up to 3,000 tons. In addition to appliances and auto, Quantum has a diverse client base
"Quantum Plastics is in a strong position and Ron is a strong leader who will seamlessly continue to grow the company," Rowlett said in a news release.