CRYSTAL LAKE, ILLINOIS, U.S. — Mathews Company (M-C) announced in November that it has hired Ed Johannesen as its new director of operations.

In this position, according to company president Joseph Shulfer, “Johannesen will play a crucial role by supporting business growth initiatives through accomplishment of organizational goals in relation to safety, quality and timely delivery of M-C products.”

Johannesen brings with him over 20 years of progressive manufacturing experience and joins M-C from UniCarriers Americas (formerly Nissan Forklift) where he held multiple positions that encompassed process and new product development, facilities planning, and supplier quality.

Most recently he was senior manager for manufacturing engineering and supplier quality where he led teams of engineers focused on transforming manufacturing and business processes in an environment synchronized to customer demand.

Johannesen has a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering technology from Southern Illinois University and a master’s of business administration from Northern Illinois University, and is well-versed in manufacturing operations that include CNC programming, laser-cutting technology, welding, metal forming and mixed model assembly line balancing.