News, appointments, promotions for January/February 2025

IACMI launches Make It In America campaign

PHOTOS COURTESY OF RESPECTIVE COMPANIES

IACMI–The Composites Institute has launched Make It In America, a national outreach campaign to raise awareness of careers in advanced manufacturing and help fill the 3.8 million jobs needed by 2030.

Leveraging IACMI’s two workforce development programs, America’s Cutting Edge (ACE) and Metallurgical Engineering Trades Apprenticeship & Learning (METAL), the outreach campaign will educate emerging workers about available job opportunities and the critical role manufacturing plays locally and globally. ACE and METAL offer free online learning plus an in-person bootcamp. Since 2020, more than 5,000 have graduated from the programs.

As part of the Make It In America initiative, IACMI will establish an annual award spotlighting rising stars shaping the future of America’s manufacturing workforce. The award will be open to any business wanting to recognize an employee who embodies a modern manufacturing mindset and a willingness to learn new skills. Winners of the award will be announced in the summer of 2026. https://iacmi.org; https://makeit.org

Appointments, promotions, new hires

Keiji Yuasa has been appointed president and CEO Murata Machinery USA Inc. (Muratec USA), bringing more than two decades of global leadership experience within the Murata Machinery organization. Muratec USA provides advanced automation and manufacturing solutions across logistics & automation, machine tools, clean factory automation, and textiles. https://www.muratec-usa.com

Metal-cutting tools and solutions company Sandvik Coromant appointed Steve Lind as VP Sales, Eastern U.S. Lind joined Sandvik Coromant in 2002 as a sales engineer. For the past seven years, he led solid round tools (SRT) sales across the Americas. https://www.sandvik.coromant.com

Safran Defense & Space Inc. (Safran DSI) named Christopher Keeler president of Space Solutions, where he will lead the company’s expanding U.S. space business, advancing small-satellite manufacturing at its Space Hub in Parker, Colorado. Keeler has more than 25 years of leadership experience from roles at General Dynamics Mission Systems, Northrop Grumman, and Orbital ATK. https://www.safran-dsi.com

Cutting tool and cold forming products provider OSG USA Inc. promoted Bart A. Carter to VP of National Accounts. He’ll lead OSG’s national account strategy, expand key partnerships, and drive growth initiatives. https://osgtool.com

Star SU, the marketing, sales and service affiliate of Star Cutter Co., appointed David Kruise marketing & communications manager. Kruise has nearly 30 years’ experience with a strong background in technical documentation and sales support. His early career as a machine repair technician gives him firsthand knowledge of tooling assembly and quality control. He’ll lead all marketing activities for the Star Cutter, Star SU, and H.B. Carbide brands. https://starcutter.com; https://www.star-su.com

Tooling solutions provider BIG DAISHOWA Inc. promoted Edgar Argueta to Regional Sales Manager – West. He’ll oversee sales operations and strategy across California, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Arizona, New Mexico, Idaho, Montana, and Nevada. https://www.bigdaishowa.com