West Manufacturing News • October 2017 • Matsuura Machinery USA Expands Personnel

Thomas Houle will be responsible for the overall operation and performance of Matsuura’s Metal Additive Manufacturing solution, LUMEX, providing leadership toward the achievement of its objectives and growth. Houle will manage the U.S. expansion, the development of strategic sales plans and the U.S. promotion of the LUMEX product.

Matsuura Machinery USA, Inc. is currently building a LUMEX showroom and demonstration facility within the existing corporate headquarters in St. Paul, MN, joining the three other LUMEX Centers of Excellence locations in Japan, Germany and the UK.

Houle will also direct the recruiting and management of personnel to promote, sell and implement LUMEX. In addition to the appointment of Houle, Matsura will also add LUMEX technical operations and support staff including Applications Engineers, Service Engineers, a Sales Coordinator and a Sales Assistant.

The Matsuura LUMEX product is a powder bed metal AM platform with subtractive capability. It combines selective laser sintering (SLS) along with high speed milling (HSM). Matsuura has manufactured the LUMEX product for more than 10 years with plans to expand the sales and technical support available in the U.S.

“In his role as LUMEX Director, Tom will leverage his experience in operational excellence and business management to develop a cuttingedge, innovative U.S. presence for Matsuura’s Metal Additive Manufacturing solution,” said Craig St. John, President of Matsuura Machinery USA, Inc. “He will inspire a culture of continuous improvement by defining goals, developing strategies, implementing systems and measuring performance results for the LUMEX product.”

Houle’s professional experience encompasses more than 26 years in the manufacturing industry, specializing in high-end injection molding and design solutions. Prior to joining Matsuura Machinery USA, Inc., Houle was with Custom Mold and Design/Teamvantage in Forest Lake, MN.

David Hudson, who has served as Matsuura Machinery USA Inc.’s Western Regional Sales Manager since 2013, has been appointed Vice President of Sales and Marketing. He will provide leadership to the Matsuura USA sales and marketing teams, deepen distributor relationships, cultivate new business opportunities and assist in providing customized manufacturing solutions for Matsuura customers.

“After a comprehensive search for Vice President of Sales and Marketing, we recognized the preeminent candidate was presently a part of our team. David has a clear understanding of the information and support Matsuura distributors and customers need from Matsuura to be successful,” St. John said.

Hudson previously served as Senior Sales Consultant for Selway Machine Tool, Inc. and as President of Mil-OMatic Inc., a Southern California aerospace machine shop founded in 1972.

Hudson has knowledge of the Matsuura product line and over 24 years of experience working with major customers in the aerospace, defense, automotive, medical and commercial industries. He will also be responsible for strategic development to meet the sales, market share and profitability objectives.

Stephan Haight has been named Western Regional Sales Manager and will be based out of Matsuura Machinery USA, Inc.’s Southern California facility.

“Stephan has a proven record of facilitating long-term business relationships with both customers and distributors. This, combined with his strong sales management skills, will enhance Matsuura Machinery USA’s ability to meet the needs of our customers as we continue to provide them with industry-leading manufacturing solutions,” said David Huds on, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Matsuura Machinery USA, Inc.

In Haight’s previous role, he was responsible for the development and performance of the milling machine tool sales activity in the Western Region of the U.S.

A graduate of Oregon State University with a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering, Haight has dedicated more than 15 years to developing higher-efficiency/lower-cost manufacturing solutions for customers.

“Stephan complements our team of three regional sales managers and we are confident that his experience and knowledge will help cultivate our customer relationships and drive our company goals. We are pleased to have him onboard,” Hudson added.

As Sales Assistant, Hannah James will provide general sales support to the Matsuura Machinery USA, Inc. sales team. James will also manage the SalesForce CRM system, coordinate and generate sales proposals for the company. James will report to Hudson.

James is a 2017 graduate of Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Japanese and economics.

“As Matsuura Machinery USA Inc. maintains continuous growth, along with the rising demand for Matsuura’s high speed and high precision 5-axis CNC machine tools, we are constantly seeking qualified candidates to join our team. We are impressed with Hannah’s background in Japanese and her statistical analysis experience,” said a Matsuura Machinery USA, Inc. spokesperson.

As Service Assistant, Kana Moore will provide general service support to the Matsuura Machinery USA, Inc. service team. Moore will be responsible for: the coordination of warranty claims; assisting with incoming service calls; and supporting the planning and scheduling of service training events.

Reporting to Matsuura Machinery USA, Inc.’s National Service Manager Shawn Buboltz, Moore will also be instrumental in the organization of materials for training, technical reporting, repair manuals, management summaries and other essential documentation.

Moore previously served as Corporate Sales Associate for OMRON Corporation in Tokyo, Japan. As Corporate Sales Associate, Moore managed sales accounts for multiple major corporations and collaborated to create new products tailored to their specifications, while developing sales strategies.

Prior to her role at OMRON Corporation, Moore served as an Intern at SIIX Corporation on Taipei, Taiwan.

Moore is a 2014 graduate of Kwansei Gakuin University, Hyogo, Japan, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in economics.

Reporting to Brad Baker, Vice President of Finance and Administration, Larissa Stemberger will provide accounting and administrative support at the Matsuura Machinery USA, Inc. headquarters.

“Larissa’s proficiency in accounting, competency in Microsoft applications, organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to multitask make her a great addition to our team,” said Kristine Albrecht, Executive Assistant, Matsuura Machinery USA, Inc.

Stemberger is a 2011 graduate of the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, earning a Bachelor of Arts in anthropology and a minor in social justice. She is currently attending Rasmussen College in the accounting program.

Stemberger joins Matsuura Machinery USA, Inc., after three years as the Assistant Community Manager with Great Lakes Management Company at University Village in Minneapolis, MN.

For more information contact: Matsuura Machinery USA 325 Randolph Ave., Ste. 100 St. Paul, MN 55102 800-518-4584 / 651-289-9700 info@matsuurausa.com www.matsuurausa.com