BRAINERD, MINN. — Avantech, a Minnesota-based manufacturer of tooling solutions to the global plastics industry, recently announced the promotion of Tom Innis to the position of president, effective Oct. 1, 2015. In addition to his organizational leadership role, Innis will continue to direct the company’s sales and marketing efforts, as he has done since joining Avantech in 2013.
“We’re excited to move Tom into the leadership role at Avantech,” said Tom Haglin, Avantech’s CEO, who, with his wife and co-owner, Ellen, acquired the company in 2012. “In addition to his vast understanding of the rotational molding industry, he also brings energy, leadership, and strategic vision to help move the Avantech business forward.”
Innis, a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and La Universidad Ibero-Americana (Mexico City), joined the rotational molding industry in 1996 and has since held leadership positions with several established industry suppliers. He has also been active in the Association of Rotational Molders (ARM) and Society of Plastic Engineers (SPE) Rotomolding Division, contributing to both organizations’ board of directors and committee-related initiatives during his industry tenure.
“This (promotion to president) is a tremendous honor, and I’m very excited and grateful for the opportunity to help lead Avantech into the future,” commented Innis, who, in addition to his rotational molding market experience, includes executive-level leadership in the steel industry on his résumé. “We have a motivated, capable Avantech team—it’s a privilege to play a key role in driving the business forward.”
Avantech also recently held a groundbreaking ceremony at the site of its new corporate headquarters and manufacturing facilities in Baxter, MN. The new site is minutes away from their current location in Brainerd, MN.
The new construction project will be carried out in two phases. Phase one, construction for a 43,000-square-foot facility on 6.5 acres, has already begun. Offices, administrative functions, and CNC machine tool-building capabilities will be moved to the new facility in this first phase.
The second phase, to occur within the next three years, involves construction of an additional 24,000 square feet to house Avantech’s pattern creation, prototype development, and cast-aluminum tooling foundry, currently located in Brainerd.
“Our successful history has built the foundation for an exciting future,” said Haglin. “We want to help our customers expand their business footprint globally.”
Avantech has invested substantially in CNC machinery, enhancing their services and capabilities. From involvement at the beginning stages of product design to delivering highly engineered tools, Avantech’s solutions-focused approach has facilitated steady growth and establishment of customer partnerships throughout the global plastics industry.
Avantech is a trusted manufacturer of quality tooling to rotomolders worldwide. Industries served include agriculture, healthcare, outdoor recreation, floor care, watersports, home furnishings, construction, materials handling, and children’s toys.
