H-D Advanced Manufacturing Company (H-D), a heavy duty industrial company focused on high-precision manufactured products used in motion control and other applications, has announced that Donald A. Brown has been appointed president and chief executive officer of its subsidiary, Overton Chicago Gear Corporation (OCG or the Company), a leading manufacturer and provider of large, custom, mission-critical gears, gearboxes, and repair services. Brown brings to OCG more than 20 years of management experience in the global manufacturing sector. Former OCG chief executive officer Lou Ertel will remain chairman of the Company’s board, in addition to his duties as chairman of the American Gear Manufacturers Association.
Brown joins OCG from Carlisle Brake & Friction, a $350M division of Carlisle Companies (formerly Wellman Products Group) where he was vice president of Global Operations and Carlisle Operating Systems (COS). During his eight-year tenure at Carlisle Brake & Friction, he was responsible for the company’s global operations, including sourcing, purchasing, engineering, quality and quality systems, COS, and Environmental, Health and Safety functions.
Christopher DiSantis, CEO of H-D Advanced Manufacturing Company, said, “We are proud to have attracted an executive of Don’s caliber to lead OCG. Don is a highly accomplished manufacturing executive and a proven leader. He is widely known for his uncompromising drive for operational excellence, and his hire is a great development for our customers who will benefit from his relentless focus on customer service. We look forward to OCG‘s successful future under his leadership.”
Brown said, “I am honored to have the opportunity to lead OCG, a company known for excellent customer service and manufacturing high-quality gears and gearboxes. Since forming H-D and acquiring OCG, Chris and his team have strengthened the Company’s market position, and I am excited to pursue the many attractive growth opportunities available to us. Today’s customer demands a strategic supply partner that thinks as they do and is nimble enough to anticipate their future needs as the market changes. Our entire team is focused on ensuring that we remain that partner for our current and future customers.”
For more information on Overton Chicago Gear, visit www.oc-gear.com.
