Cascade Engineering Names Michael W. Valz President, Chief Operating Officer

Grand Rapids, MICHIGAN – Cascade Engineering has named Michael W. Valz to the position of president and chief operating officer. Fred P. Keller, chairman and chief executive officer, made the announcement.

Valz, who joined the company in May 2000 as executive vice president, will oversee all day-to-day operations for the company, including the company’s Acoustics Group, Container Group, Automotive Trim Solutions, Home & Office Group and Noble Polymers. In addition, the Corporate Finance, Sales and Marketing, Business Services, Lean Manufacturing and Center For Innovation groups will all report to Valz.

Keller, who founded the company in 1973, continues to serve as its top officer and set the company’s strategic and philosophical direction.

“Since May, I have been very impressed with Mike's leadership qualities,” Keller said. “His strengths include his ability to envision the future and then create strategies, action plans and measurements to ensure that value is added to the company and the community through the focused energies of people. In today's competitive business environment, a leader with Mike's qualities is truly a competitive advantage.”

Valz came to Cascade Engineering from Herman Miller, Inc., a $1.8 billion international manufacturer of furniture systems and seating for business and healthcare, where he was executive vice president of operations.

Prior to his tenure at Herman Miller, Inc., Valz spent seven years with Batesville Casket Company, a $680 million subsidiary of Hillenbrand Industries, in Batesville, Indiana; and 19 years with General Motors Corporation.

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