BELLEVILLE, Mich., May 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Neapco Holdings has announced the appointment of two global executives with international automotive experience to support the company's plans for international growth and expansion.
Dr. Christof Traidl has been named CEO, Neapco Europe, with responsibility for all European operations, including business development, sales, engineering and manufacturing. He has more than 20 years of experience in the automotive business, and has served as vice-president for Sales and Purchasing, Power Systems Axle, Daimler-Benz, in Germany, and president and CEO of Axle Alliance Co., Daimler AG, in the U.S. Most recently, he spent five years in managing turnarounds and mergers and acquisitions as a consultant for Shore Financial Services in the U.S. and as chairman for Comprehensive Management Consulting in Eisenach, Germany. Effective immediately, he is based in Dueren, Germany.
"Chris brings to Neapco a wealth of experience in the automotive business, as well as proven leadership in challenging business environments," said Robert Hawkey, CEO, Neapco Holdings. "His expertise will be vital as we develop and execute plans for future growth in our European operations."
Also announced was Gerald Coster, vice president, Global Supply Chain Management, Neapco Holdings, based at Neapco headquarters in Belleville, Mich. Coster has 27 years of automotive experience in supply chain management, new business development, process improvement and strategic planning. He joined Neapco in March from Sabre Capital Management where he served as vice president of Operations. He previously held executive positions with Loc Performance Products, American Axle and Chrysler Corporation.
"Gerald Coster has a diverse corporate background," said Bob Mangini, COO, Neapco Holdings. "He will have an integral role in Neapco's growth in the U.S. and abroad."
Neapco Components, a Neapco Holdings subsidiary, currently is planning an expansion of its manufacturing operations in Saltillo, Mexico, and recently celebrated a major expansion of its Beatrice, Neb., plant.
Neapco Holdings is a leading global manufacturer of automotive driveshafts, propeller shafts, differentials, suspension springs, aluminum die castings and driveline and steering components for original equipment, performance and aftermarket companies. With 2,200 employees, it operates production facilities in Michigan, Nebraska and Pennsylvania in the U.S., and in Mexico, Poland and Germany.
SOURCE Neapco Holdings, LLC
