Symbol Mattress Names VP of Continuous Improvement

February 9, 2016  by in Executive Changes, Industry   

In the position, Blackwell reports to Ron Clevenger, company president, and Mike McQuiston, executive vice president.   

Blackwell is responsible for identifying, analyzing and implementing changes to Symbol’s quality assurance procedures, safety standards, facilities management, material and production flows, and lean manufacturing practices. 

“We’ve been growing very rapidly and to keep moving forward, it was time to broaden our executive management team,” Clevenger said.  “The rapid changes in our business and industry demand that we seek new and better ways to improve. 

“Gordon’s broad background in all aspects of lean manufacturing, quality control, plant safety, robotics, material qualification and plant layout will not only help us improve, but will optimize our performance,” he said.

Prior to joining Symbol, he served as engineering manager from 2009 to 2015 at LL Building Products, a subsidiary of GAF, a roofing manufacturer. Before that he was a manufacturing technology associate for Dow Roofing Systems and served as a vice president of operations for Stevens Roofing Systems from 2002 to 2008.

Blackwell also spent 19 years in various divisions of the textile company J.P. Stevens, as a corporate safety manager, division engineer, plant manager and director of engineering in his last-held position. 

“Because we’re looking for fresh insights and concepts, we thought it was important to bring someone to our company who hasn’t worked in the bedding industry,” Clevenger said. “Given Gordon’s impressive background and experience, we believe we’ve found the right person for the job.”