McLaughlin Family Companies, parent company of New Way Trucks – the largest privately held manufacturer of refuse equipment in North America – has announced leadership changes to respond to recent sales growth both domestically and abroad. “We are in the middle of a five-year plan of capital investment in facility infrastructure and machine technology to respond to significant sales growth in the solid waste markets we serve,” said CEO Mike McLaughlin. “Today we kick off the next phase of our company’s growth by announcing our expanded leadership team: a team focused on executing our plan to meet our customers’ needs that include designing, producing, and supporting the highest quality refuse and recycling equipment available.”
Johnathon McLaughlin, third generation behind Founder John McLaughlin and CEO Mike McLaughlin, is being promoted to Chief Manufacturing Officer for the New Way Trucks and K-PAC Compactor brands. Johnathon will be responsible for all manufacturing operations as well as coordinating with joint venture manufacturers in Canada, Mexico, and Australia. McLaughlin will be especially focused on standardizing manufacturing practices and streamlining manufacturing workflow to increase efficiency, reduce lead times, and improve quality. McLaughlin most recently held the position of Executive Vice President with the company and has more than 15 years’ experience in production, sales, and product development.
Don Ross, a 35-year solid waste industry veteran, is also being promoted. Ross moves from Vice President of Sales and Marketing to Chief Sales Officer, responsible for leading and managing the company’s sales and marketing efforts. Ross’ broad industry experience includes collection and post-collection oversight, consultancies, equipment manufacturing and distribution, as well as multiple association volunteer roles. Ross currently serves as chairman of the National Waste and Recycling Association.
The company is also announcing the hiring of Eric Evans as Chief Product Officer. Evans joins the team with more than 20 years of experience as a waste and recycling industry professional with leadership experience in sales, operations, service, and new product development. “Eric brings an exceptional level of knowledge and understanding of our industry to New Way, and we are excited to have him join our team,” said Don Ross. Evans will oversee product design, development, and support. “New Way and McLaughlin Family Companies have an outstanding history of providing customers with a broad offering of refuse collection bodies and innovative solutions to solve their refuse industry challenges. I am truly excited to be joining an excellent leadership team and look forward to helping New Way continue to grow and serve our valued customers.” Evans stated.
“Johnathon, Don, and Eric represent the next phase of our company’s plan to become our customers’ first and only choice for their solid waste equipment” said Steve Goetsch, Chief Operating Officer. “Coupled with the explosive sales growth we are experiencing, a focus on product development, support, and manufacturing will propel New Way Trucks to the next level.”