Manufacture Alabama has announced the addition of four new members to its board of directors. These new individuals represent companies ranging from a small manufacturer to internationally recognized brands.
The new members bring additional leadership to the board as the trade association continues to help manufacturers across the state address future challenges.
The new board members include:
- Wesley Helton, sales and marketing manager at Specification Rubber Products
- Robert Mulholland, interim site director at BASF Mcintosh
- Jorge Luiz Ribeiro de Oliveira, president and CEO of AM/NS Calvert
- Tom Toner, vice president of operations at SSAB Americas
“These four individuals will provide world-class leadership and knowledge for our staff and membership,” said George Clark, president of Manufacture Alabama. “With unique and diverse backgrounds, these new board members will further enable us to serve our members and continue our mission to make Alabama the best business and political location in the U.S. for manufacturers.”
The new members will join existing board members:
- Carl Gunter of International Paper
- Marty Parker of Packaging Corporation of America
- Paul Vercher of United States Steel
- David Carroll of Hunt Refining Company
- Jason Crager of Lockheed Martin
- David Hendrixson of Daikin America
Helton has led Specification Rubber Products development initiatives since joining the company in 2017, following his role as an appointed official in the governor’s office. His expertise lies in legislative initiatives, serving as another voice in Montgomery representing the many Manufacture Alabama members across the state.
“I am proud to serve on the board of Manufacture Alabama,” Helton said. “Manufacturing has proven to be the lifeblood of the Alabama economy, and I am looking forward to working with government officials and industry leaders to make a more productive business climate for manufacturing companies of all sizes.”
Mulholland has been a successful leader and problem solver in the plastic additives industry for more than 30 years. He has safely introduced chemical production globally in China, Mexico and Slovakia. In his current role as interim site director at BASF Corporation’s McIntosh site, he is tackling the various problems encountered when leading a manufacturing site during a global pandemic.
“BASF has a long-standing tradition of working with Manufacture Alabama,” said Mulholland. “I look forward to serving on the board of directors to navigate the dynamics of the U.S. administration, state officials, promoting education, manufacturing, workforce development and a strong economy.”
Oliveira is a seasoned manufacturing leader, having worked in various positions at multiple steel companies since 1989. He was named president and CEO of AM/NS Calvert on Sept. 1, 2019. Living and working in international environments has taught Jorge the importance of bringing people together and just how much can be accomplished when you empower people to work together. Jorge’s moto is “With respect, trust and transparency we are stronger integrated and much more motivated.”
“I am honored to join Manufacture Alabama’s board of directors,” said Oliveira. “I look forward to working closely with this group of leaders and the Manufacture Alabama team to continue to position Alabama as an excellent location for manufacturers.”
Toner has served as VP of operations for SSAB Americas for three years following his various roles in the organization since 1998. Toner oversees all operational activities at SSAB’s North American steel plants in Iowa and Alabama, as well as the company’s cut-to-length lines in Houston, St. Paul and Toronto. His leadership responsibilities include safety, productivity, cost control and quality.
“I’m honored and excited to be joining the board of Manufacture Alabama,” said Toner. “I look forward to helping this important organization continue to make Alabama a fantastic, business-friendly location for manufacturing companies to operate.”
