St. Louis-based Afinitas has promoted Matt Childs to vice president of Sales, Americas for the HawkeyePedershaab-BFS equipment and automation sales organization. He joined the company in 2017 as vice president of Sales, North America.
“Matt is a well-respected leader known throughout our industry,” says Afinitas CEO Brad Schmidgall, and “will be able to share his vast experience, engineering expertise and knack for solving tough challenges with our industry partners in all regions of the Americas.”
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| Matt Childs |
A fourth-generation family member of the industry, Childs began his career as a laborer making concrete pipe nearly three decades ago. He proceeded to the American Concrete Pipe Association, applying his knowledge of concrete engineering and production. He served at the association for 17 years, 12 as president, and is credited with increasing members’ focus on technical marketing in precast concrete pipe and box culvert. Childs has a bachelor’s degree in business from Baylor University plus bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering from the University of Texas, Arlington.
“Representing HawkeyePedershaab-BFS and the depth of solutions and expertise that comes with being part of the Afinitas platform makes servicing our customers so rewarding,” Childs affirms. “With our combined strengths, we are confident we have the know-how to tackle just about any challenge in any region.”
Additionally, Afinitas has announced a transition for Hawkeye-Pedershaab veteran Darrell Haar, previously responsible for South American sales, now executive vice president of Sales. He retains oversight of the China and India markets, while focusing on key sales opportunities and accounts on a global basis.
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| John McConahy |
San Diego-based materials specialist Surface Tech has appointed John McConahy as Concrete Products Division corporate sales director, citing his “knowledge and expertise in delivering thought-provoking, innovative, and proven solutions to the construction industry.” After earning a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Pennsylvania State University, McConahy learned the construction industry from the ground up by leading projects for Whiting-Turner Contracting and Turner Construction. He continued to build on that foundation in a variety of BASF Construction Chemicals capacities, and has a thorough understanding of the concrete industry, mix design optimization, materials, operations, and customer needs. During his last BASF role as Market Development manager, he played an integral part in launching innovative, performance-based concrete product solutions.
Cemex USA’s Miami and Brooksville South cement operations have achieved U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Energy Star certification for 2019, recognizing energy efficiency and sustainability performance. The plants have logged perpetual EPA certification for their conservation efforts—nine consecutive years for Miami, seven out of the last eight years for Brooksville South.
“[We are] committed to delivering world-class products and services to clients across the U.S. and globe while maintaining the highest sustainability standards in our industry,” says Cemex USA President Jaime Muguiro. “Cemex is honored to once again receive these certifications as evidence of responsible stewardship of our planet and its resources.”
Miami-based Diligent, a technology-driven business aiming to optimize construction operations, recently acquired Philips Metal Products Inc. The Boca Raton, Fla., company will allow Diligent to expand its current offerings to include concrete forms, embeds and accessories, welding or metal fabrication services, plus stairs, gates and railings. Former principal Scott Philips will continue to oversee day-to-day operations.
“The acquisition of Philips Metal Products, a company with a longstanding reputation for excellence, puts Diligent in a strong position to provide customers with welding and fabrication services,” says Diligent Services Vice President Hu Montague. “Welding, steel parts for concrete forms, steel columns and metal fabrication are in high demand and now Diligent can provide them to our clients.”
East Manufacturing, Randolph, Ohio manufacturer of aluminum or steel dump bodies, plus a full range of aluminum trailers, has promoted Chris Cooler to vice president of Sales & Marketing. He succeeds the retired Charlie Wells, and will continue in his capacity as product manager – Dump Trailers.
Construction Supply Group has closed on Montgomery, Ala.-based Construction Materials, a concrete contractor-centric wholesaler with seven Florida, four Alabama and two Texas branches, plus others in Jackson, Miss., Atlanta and Nashville. The acquisition strengthens CSG’s role as the number two North American distributor serving concrete and masonry contractors, and extends its footprint to 125-plus branches in the U.S. and Canada.
“With its substantial regional scale and leading market position, the partnership with Construction Materials results in further geographical diversification,” says Mitch Williams, chief executive officer of Denver-based CSG. “We are looking forward to continuing to build on the success and market leadership Construction Materials has experienced to date.”