The Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center (VMEC) has announced the election of Brenan S. Riehl to its Advisory Board. Brenan (Ben) Riehl is the President and CEO of GW Plastics headquartered in Bethel, VT. GW Plastics is a highly respected global manufacturer of very close tolerance plastic components and assemblies for Fortune 500 companies in the medical device market and the automotive safety market. The company employs about 800 people, with 300 in Vermont.
In addition, five current Board members were re-elected to additional 2-years terms, including: Dave Blittersdorf, President and CEO of AllEarth Renewables in Williston; Tommy Harmon, President of Sonnax Industries in Bellows Falls; Dr. Cy Jordan, MD, Administrator of Research and Educational Programs, Vermont Medical Society Education and Research Foundation; Joe Perrotto, President and CEO of Country Home Products in Vergennes and Ed Townley, Executive Vice President and CFO of Agri-Mark, Inc. in Montpelier. Mike Rainville, President of Maple Landmark, Inc. in Middlebury, was re-elected as Board Chairperson.
Since 1995, VMEC has operated as a not for profit with a primary mission "To improve manufacturing in Vermont and strengthen the global competitiveness of the state's smaller manufacturers." This is done through confidential consulting, coaching, hands-on implementation assistance and training to help Vermont manufacturers achieve profitable growth through innovation, increased productivity, improved manufacturing and business processes, reduced costs, improved competitiveness, and creating and retaining good paying jobs. Through the VMEC PSG business unit established in 2006, VMEC also brings its process and strategy expertise to selected non-manufacturing sectors in Vermont, including but not limited to healthcare, higher education, government, and financial services.
