Steve Andrews named as chairman and chief executive officer of Davis-Standard

Steve Andews PortraitDavis-Standard, a portfolio company of Gamut Capital Management, is pleased to announce the appointment of Steve Andrews as its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Andrews has been serving as the Executive Chairman of Davis-Standard’s board since early 2024 and brings a wealth of leadership experience and a track record of driving operational and commercial excellence.

Jordan Zaken, Founding Partner of Gamut Capital Management, expressed his confidence in Mr. Andrews’ ability to lead Davis-Standard through its next phase of growth. “Steve is an excellent leader to drive our global strategy and ensure the successful integration of our growing and increasingly global platform,” said Mr. Zaken. “His deep operational expertise, long-tenured managerial track record and leadership experience will be key to positioning Davis-Standard for continued success and innovation. Furthermore, we would like to thank Giovanni Spitale, Davis-Standard’s previous CEO, for his years of dedicated service to the business.”

Mr. Andrews added: “I am honored to lead Davis-Standard at such a pivotal time for the company. Our commitment to operational excellence and customer satisfaction will continue to drive our strategy as we integrate our extrusion platform globally and expand our market reach. After extensive time spent with the Davis-Standard organization as its Executive Chairman, I am very excited about the growth prospects and opportunities to unlock further value in the future. I look forward to spending more time with the Davis-Standard team as well as its highly valued customers and suppliers in the near future.”

Before joining Davis-Standard, Mr. Andrews served in several prominent leadership roles across a broad range of industrial end markets and diverse international operating environments. Most recently, he was the President and CEO of Briggs & Stratton, the world’s largest producer of engines for outdoor power equipment. Prior to Briggs & Stratton, he held CEO roles at other private equity-backed companies including International Equipment Solutions and Pettibone Group. Mr. Andrews brings over 30 years of leadership experience and is well-regarded for his ability to lead complex organizations through strategic growth and integration initiatives.

 

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Davis-Standard First Plastics Machinery Manufacturer to Achieve Operation Clean Sweep Certification, Setting Benchmark for Environmental Stewardship

Chicago, IL – Davis-Standard, a global leader in the design and manufacturing of extrusion and converting technologies, today announced that it has achieved Operation Clean Sweep (OCS) certification, becoming the first plastics machinery manufacturer to earn this distinction. This certification demonstrates the company’s commitment to preventing plastic pellet (resin) loss and contributing to a cleaner environment, setting a new benchmark for environmental sustainability in the plastics industry.

OCS is an international program designed to help plastics industry companies implement good housekeeping and pellet containment practices. By achieving OCS certification, Davis-Standard joins a growing list of companies that have committed to reducing plastic pollution in waterways and communities.

“Our facilities in Fulton, NY, and Pawcatuck, CT, are blessed with natural beauty and proximity to vital waterways and the ocean,” said Giovanni Spitale, CEO of Davis-Standard. “This underscores our responsibility to protect these resources and is why Operation Clean Sweep certification is so important to us.”

“Environmental stewardship is deeply ingrained in our company culture at Davis-Standard,” said Dan Guthrie, President of Film, Sheet, and Core Auxiliaries at Davis-Standard. “Achieving Operation Clean Sweep certification reinforces our dedication to responsible manufacturing practices and our commitment to minimizing our environmental footprint.”

This achievement builds upon Davis-Standard’s legacy of environmental sustainability. The company’s North American facilities are powered by carbon-free electricity, and its Maillefer division received a Silver EcoVadis rating for its sustainability efforts. Moreover, numerous Davis-Standard facilities maintain ISO 14001 certification for their environmental management systems.

By achieving OCS certification, Davis-Standard further demonstrates its commitment to environmental responsibility and its dedication to maintaining a sustainable future for the plastics industry and the planet.
Learn more about  Davis-Standards commitment to sustainability here:  https://davis-standard.com/sustainability/ and Operation Clean Sweep here: https://opcleansweep.org/

Ching Gettman Joins Davis-Standard as President of Davis-Standard Global Services

Chicago, IL – June 4, 2024 – Davis-Standard, a global leader in the design and manufacturing of extrusion and converting technology, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ching Gettman as President of the Davis-Standard Global Services (DS Global Services) team.

With a proven track record of leadership and innovation, Ching is set to drive the growth and excellence of DS Global Services, bringing increased value to our customer base through focused service and support strategy execution.
With over 20+ years of industry experience, Ching joins Davis-Standard from Caterpillar, where she served as Vice President of Product Development, Aftermarket, and Strategy. There, she led significant advancements in product development and aftermarket services, reinforcing Caterpillar’s position as an industry leader. Prior to that, she spent 12 years at John Deere, holding various key roles across multiple locations, which provided her with extensive experience and a deep understanding of the aftermarket industry. She also worked as a distributor executive at Cummins Western Canada, where she was responsible for Sales, Service, Rebuild, and Parts.
“Ching’s experience and innovative approach make her the perfect fit for leading our DS Global Services team,” said Giovanni Spitale, CEO of Davis-Standard. “Ching’s leadership will enhance our service capabilities and strengthen our commitment to delivering exceptional value to our customers worldwide. Under her leadership, DS Global Services will focus on providing comprehensive solutions that improve our customers’ performance at every step of the way.”
“I am excited to lead DS Global Services in our mission to forge enduring partnerships with our customers by delivering a premium customer experience; we aim to be the most trusted and sought-after service and support provider in the industry. Our focus on quality, uptime, speed, cost savings, and flexibility reflects our dedication to enhancing our customers’ performance and driving their success. DS Global Services will elevate the standards of service excellence and support that our customers deserve.”
Ching holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University and a Master of Science in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). In her spare time, she enjoys ice hockey, volunteering for the US Coast Guard Academy, and supporting greyhound dog rescue organizations.

Davis-Standard Sets Industry Benchmark with 100% Carbon-Free Electricity Across North American Facilities; Reinforcing our Steadfast Commitment to Sustainability

Pawcatuck, CT – May 30, 2024 – Davis-Standard, a global leader in the design and manufacturing of extrusion and converting technology, is proud to announce a significant milestone in its sustainability journey. All of its North American facilities are now powered by 100% carbon-free electricity. This achievement solidifies Davis-Standard’s commitment to environmental stewardship and underscores its leadership in sustainable manufacturing practices within the industry. 

By transitioning to 100% carbon-free electricity in North America, Davis-Standard has taken a decisive step towards reducing its carbon footprint and mitigating climate change impacts. This milestone aligns with the company’s overarching sustainability goals and demonstrates its dedication to operating in an environmentally responsible manner. 

Davis-Standard achieved this milestone by purchasing Green-e certified Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) for its Pawcatuk, CT, and Fulton, NY facilities. These RECs guarantee that the electricity used in these locations is generated from renewable sources, such as wind or solar power, further solidifying Davis-Standard’s commitment to sustainable energy practices. 

Additionally, Davis-Standard’s Greater Toronto Area operations utilize electricity sourced from hydroelectric sources, further contributing to the company’s carbon-free energy usage. 

This accomplishment complements Davis-Standard’s existing ISO 14001-certified facilities and its Maillefer brand’s EcoVadis Silver Award, highlighting the company’s dedication to sustainability and environmental responsibility across its operations. 

“We are incredibly proud to announce that all of our North American facilities are now powered by 100% carbon-free electricity,” said Giovanni Spitale, CEO at Davis-Standard. “This milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to sustainability and underscores our dedication to reducing our environmental impact. By transitioning to renewable energy sources and leveraging green certifications like Green-e and ISO 14001, we are taking proactive steps towards building a more sustainable future for generations to come.” 

As a pioneer in the industry, Davis-Standard remains steadfast in its pursuit of sustainability, innovation, and excellence. The company will continue to explore new ways to minimize its environmental footprint while delivering best-in-class solutions to its customers worldwide. 

For more information about Davis-Standard and its sustainability initiatives, please visit https://davis-standard.com/sustainability/ 

Brian Anderson Joins Davis-Standard as Chief Procurement Officer (CPO)

Davis-Standard, LLC (“Davis-Standard”), a global leader in the design and manufacturing of extrusion and converting technology, is pleased to announce the appointment of Brian Anderson as Chief Procurement Officer.

In his new role, Brian will assume global responsibility for Davis-Standard’s procurement and supply chain operations. He will oversee all aspects of supplier management, sourcing strategies, and cost optimization initiatives.

Prior to Davis-Standard, Brian amassed 30 years of extensive experience in procurement and supply chain management, holding key procurement leadership roles with Duracell Inc, Robert Bosch, and the Marmon Group, among others. Brian also teaches courses at Elmhurst University in Supply Chain in Greater Chicago. Brian holds a BA in Business and Education from Illinois State University and an MS degree in Supply Chain from Elmhurst University. With a proven track record of optimizing procurement strategies and driving operational efficiency, Brian will play a vital role in Davis-Standard’s ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional value to its customers and stakeholders.

“We are thrilled to welcome Brian to our team,” said Giovanni Spitale, CEO of Davis-Standard. “His expertise and vision will be instrumental in enhancing our procurement practices and ensuring that we continue to meet the evolving needs of our customers while driving sustainable growth.”

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Davis-Standard Successfully Completes Acquisition of Extrusion Technology Group (ETG), Companies To Merge

Davis-Standard, LLC (“Davis-Standard”), a global leader in the design and manufacturing of extrusion and converting technology, is pleased to announce that it has completed the previously announced acquisition of Extrusion Technology Group (“ETG”).

The acquisition includes three esteemed brands: battenfeld-cincinnati, exelliq, and Simplas. These additions officially join the Davis-Standard family, marking a significant milestone in the company’s strategic expansion.

The acquisition further strengthens Davis-Standard’s position as an industry leader, combining its expertise with the innovative technologies and market presence of battenfeld-cincinnati, exelliq, and Simplas. With a shared commitment to excellence, the unified team is poised to deliver unparalleled solutions and support to customers worldwide.

“We are thrilled to officially welcome battenfeld-cincinnati, exelliq, and Simplas to the Davis-Standard family. This strategic acquisition reinforces our dedication to providing cutting-edge solutions and comprehensive support to our customers across various industries,” said Giovanni Spitale, CEO of Davis-Standard. “Together, we are well-positioned to drive innovation, enhance operational efficiency, and meet the evolving needs of the global extrusion and converting market.”

Former ETG CEO and now President of ETG and member of Davis Standard Executive Leadership Team Gerold Schley stated, “We are delighted to embark on this new chapter as part of the Davis-Standard family of brands. The synergies between ETG and Davis-Standard present exciting opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and growth.” Schley added, “We see numerous synergies that will allow us to integrate seamlessly, ensuring a smooth transition for customers of all brands.”

Integrating these renowned brands into the Davis-Standard portfolio brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and advanced technologies. Customers can expect an expanded product offering, increased service capabilities, and a broader geographical presence to serve their unique requirements better.

Davis-Standard remains committed to delivering value to its customers, partners, and stakeholders. The company is enthusiastic about the opportunities that this acquisition creates for collaboration, innovation, and growth.

 

 

DAVIS-STANDARD INVESTS IN GLOBAL SERVICE CAPABILITIES TO BOLSTER CUSTOMER SERVICE AND SUPPORT

Davis-Standard expands its service and support capabilities focused on delivering better line efficiency and lower operating costs to its customers. The company’s investments in one global service team, critical spare parts inventory, new service products and advanced digital infrastructure are to address customers’ need for speed, uptime, flexibility, cost savings and quality. These enhanced capabilities are designed to support all equipment manufactured by Davis-Standard and its subsidiaries, including Maillefer.  

Giovanni Spitale, CEO of Davis-Standard, was quoted as saying, “Davis-Standard’s commitment extends far beyond the initial equipment sale – it’s about building enduring partnerships that empower our customers to thrive, and we firmly believe the strategic investments in our people, technologies, and operations will provide an immediate impact to our customers.” 

Davis-Standard’s investment spans into four core areas. First, an expanded network of expert service technicians to ensure localized support for customers. For US-based customers, the goal is to have a Davis-Standard certified technician within a 3-hour radius of customer sites, ensuring faster resolution of customer issues. Second, the company stocks 1000+ critical spare parts in its VIP program for its customers. This ensures a 24-hour part availability from a trusted source with predictable costs. Third, to minimize unplanned downtime and increase line performance and throughput, Davis-Standard has flexible preventative maintenance programs customers can choose from, including rebuild and repair programs. Lastly, the company has significantly invested in a Service Cloud, advanced data analytics, and remote monitoring/IOT capabilities. Coupled with the digital transformation, the increase in sustaining innovations, such as product upgrades, ensures the complete life cycle of the equipment is optimized.    

“Our customer-centric approach drives everything we do. We’ve restructured internally and expanded our service offerings to ensure unparalleled operational excellence for our customers. Buying equipment from us means a lifelong partnership geared towards enhancing customers’ line efficiency at a competitive total cost of ownership and fostering future innovations.” said Zachery Ament, Global Service President.  

Zach added, “Our vision is to be your preferred service and support partner providing a premium customer experience, regardless of which Davis-Standard, Maillefer, or sub-brand piece of equipment you purchased from us, dating back 30+ years. If a customer needs more performance, speed, flexibility, or cost savings from their existing equipment, we have a solution. We know our equipment better and can help.” 

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Davis-Standard’s Pawcatuck, CT Global Headquarters and Largest Manufacturing Facility Attains ISO 14001 Certification, Reinforcing Commitment to Sustainability

Davis-Standard, a global leader in the design and manufacturing of extrusion and converting technology, is proud to announce that its Pawcatuck, CT headquarters and largest manufacturing facility has achieved ISO 14001 certification. This milestone underscores the company’s ongoing dedication to environmental responsibility and sustainability in its operations as part of defined 2025 ESG commitments. The company’s Pawcatuck facility joins its locations in Fulton, N.Y., Vantaa, Finland, Dusseldorf, Germany, and Ecublens, Switzerland, which are already ISO 14001 certified. All of Davis-Standard’s global manufacturing sites are slated to become ISO 14001 certified by 2025.

ISO 14001 is an internationally recognized standard for environmental management systems, emphasizing a systematic approach to managing environmental impact. The certification acknowledges Davis-Standard’s commitment to environmentally friendly practices, compliance with applicable legal requirements, and continual improvement in environmental performance.

“At Davis-Standard, we believe in taking proactive measures to minimize our environmental impact and contribute to the plastics circular economy,” said CEO Giovanni Spitale. “The ISO 14001 certification for our Pawcatuck facility is a testament to our ongoing efforts to integrate sustainability into every aspect of our business, be it in new machines or retrofit upgrades to process biopolymers or circular economy structures to energy-efficient and waste-reducing equipment designs.”

In addition to achieving ISO 14001 certification, Davis-Standard is actively pursuing initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint as it relates to the use of carbon pollution-free electricity at our facilities. The company recognizes its critical role in the plastics industry and is committed to advancing sustainable practices. This commitment is evident not only in certifications but also in the design and manufacturing of equipment that addresses environmental concerns.

“We understand the importance of innovation in promoting sustainability in our industry,” added Spitale. “Our team is dedicated to developing cutting-edge technology that not only meets our customers’ needs but also aligns with their and our environmental goals. We are continuously working on designing equipment that enhances efficiency and reduces environmental impact.”

Davis-Standard’s focus on sustainability goes beyond regulatory compliance, reflecting a corporate culture prioritizing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. Davis-Standard reflects this value in the organization of Davis-Standard Community Days, events where employees help local communities with activities like trash cleanup projects and tree planting.

The company continues to invest in research and development to stay at the forefront of environmentally conscious solutions, ensuring its products contribute positively to the circular economy.

This achievement is a significant milestone for Davis-Standard, highlighting its commitment to environmental stewardship and setting a standard for responsible business practices in the plastics industry.

For more information about Davis-Standard and its sustainability initiatives, visit our sustainability webpage here.

 

Davis-Standard Announces Agreement to Acquire Extrusion Technology Group

Acquisition Intended to Accelerate Company’s Growth and Global Capabilities 

Davis-Standard, LLC (“Davis-Standard”), a global leader in the extrusion equipment and services sector, announced today that it had reached a definitive agreement to acquire the Extrusion Technology Group (“ETG”) from entities controlled by the Dutch Investor Nimbus. The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions. Davis-Standard has been majority owned by funds affiliated with Gamut Capital Management, L.P. (“Gamut”) since December 2021 and serves the global infrastructure and packaging end-markets with a highly engineered suite of extrusion equipment and converting systems supported by world-class aftermarket spare parts, service, and support for its base of industry critical customers. 

ETG is a well-established player in the global extrusion equipment and services sector with a history dating back to 1943. With a reputation for world-class engineering and innovation, ETG is a leader in the supply of extrusion equipment and downstream processing equipment, in addition to extensive tooling, dies, spare parts, and service capabilities, for the global pipe, profile, film and sheet markets. ETG’s operations span Europe, the United States, and Asia and includes long-established and storied brands, such as Battenfeld-Cincinnati, Exelliq (formerly known as Greiner Extrusion), and Simplas. 

Giovanni Spitale, CEO of Davis-Standard, stated: “We have long admired ETG’s capabilities and highly engineered products and are thrilled to welcome ETG into the Davis-Standard family of brands. The acquisition of ETG will be highly complementary and diversifying to our fast-growing enterprise, and we believe it will allow Davis-Standard to provide a broader and deeper product portfolio to our customers. We intend to establish the ETG business as a standalone segment that will continue to serve its base of customers with additional support and capabilities from the broader Davis-Standard platform. We believe that the combination of our world-class engineering capabilities, our global scale, and the sharing of best practices will only enhance our ever-expanding value proposition in the extrusion value chain.”  

Gerold Schley, CEO of ETG, will join the Davis-Standard senior leadership team and continue to manage the ETG business after closing of the transaction. “I am exceptionally proud of the growth and success that we have achieved across all of ETG’s businesses under the stewardship of Nimbus. This merger is a great outcome that we believe will create a best-in-class, diversified global supplier of highly engineered extrusion equipment.” 

Giovanni added: “I am thrilled to partner with Gerold as we invest further to accelerate growth and our global capabilities and look forward to working alongside all members of the ETG team after closing.” 

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. served as lead financial advisor, Current Capital Partners LLC served as a financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal counsel to Davis-Standard. Lincoln International served as financial advisor, and Allen & Overy served as legal counsel to Nimbus.  Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, BMO Capital Markets Corp., UBS Securities LLC, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Stifel, Nicolaus and Company, Inc. and Citizens Bank, N.A. are providing financing commitments for the transaction, subject to customary terms and conditions. 

ER-WE-PA GmbH Achieves ISO 14001 Certification

Continuing with company-wide sustainability efforts, Davis-Standard’s subsidiary in Germany, ER-WE-PA GmbH, recently attained ISO 14001 certification. This certification illustrates a commitment to customer service and environmental sustainability, essential to Davis-Standard’s pursuit of operational excellence, safety practices, and process improvement. This is the fourth Davis-Standard location to become ISO 14001 certified in recent months, joining facilities in Fulton, N.Y., Vantaa, Finland, and Ecublens, Switzerland. All of Davis-Standard’s global manufacturing sites are slated to become ISO 14001 certified by 2025.

“We congratulate our employees in Germany for achieving ISO 14001 certification. Establishing and applying an environmental management system for manufacturing practices at each facility is part of our ongoing journey toward a more sustainable future,” said Giovanni Spitale, Davis-Standard CEO. “It also ensures consistent practices across the board, with equipment development and manufacturing efforts focused on reducing waste and improving energy efficiency and recyclability.”

At the core of ISO certification is the ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements. This is achieved by enhancing customer fulfillment through an effective quality management system (www.iso.org). All issues are addressed at the source to support best practices.

To learn more about Davis-Standard’s sustainability commitments, visit here.