Waupaca Foundry has installed Michael Hawthorne as its new chief executive officer, whose professional experience includes executive positions with several commercial vehicle sector suppliers. According to a company announcement, the new CEO’s focus will be on “driving operational efficiency, enhancing innovation, and furthering the company's relationships with customers and stakeholders.”
Hawthorne is replacing former CEO Mike Nikolai, who who had been in the role since 2016 and served for more than 30 years with the foundry group.
Headquartered in Waupaca, WI, Waupaca Foundry has 4,000 employees and operates four foundries pouring 9,500 tons for gray, ductile, compacted graphite, and austempered ductile iron daily. Its customers include automotive, commercial vehicle, agriculture, and construction equipment manufacturers, and other industrial markets.
The foundry group – which was acquired by Monomoy Capital Partners in late 2023 – recently closed a dedicated machining operation in northern Michigan.
Hawthorne previously served as president of the Specialty Manufacturing Group for JB Poindexter & Co.; president and CEO of Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC; and president and CEO of New York Air Brake LLC. Hawthorne holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Clarkson University, M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and MBA from Syracuse University.
“We’re excited to welcome Mike Hawthorne to the Waupaca Foundry family,” stated Daniel Collin, Waupaca Foundry chairman. “He brings over 30 years of manufacturing industry experience and understands the roles engineering design, system integration and operational excellence play in achieving breakthrough goals.
“He will build on the strong foundation that Mike Nikolai has left here,” he said, adding, “We wish Mike Nikolai well and thank him for his contributions to the business.”
This report has been revised from the initial posting.