W&O Supply Forms New Division, Announces New Leadership

W&O Supply, a supplier of marine valves, pipe, fittings and valve automation services, has restructured the company to form the Engineered Products and Automation (EP/A) Division. The restructuring emphasizes core strengths, streamlines operations and adds technical expertise and service support to the company's client base and 14 branch network. Newly promoted or hired to lead the EP/A Division are Jim Baur, Fred Loomis, Edmon "Gus" Bell, Donna West and Steve Hartsaw.

Jim Baur, former general manager of the Automation Division, has been promoted to lead the new EP/A Division. Baur will also concentrate on building market share within the oil and gas industry as well as the cruise market segment. Fred Loomis, who led the Engineering Products Division, will manage special projects on a nationwide basis and serve as a sales and project manager for Northeast and Great Lakes customers.

The company recently hired a nationally recognized industrial and marine automation veteran, Edmon "Gus" Bell, to lead its Automation Product Group. With 35 years of valve automation experience and a wealth of industry knowledge, Bell will continue to develop W&O Supply's automation portfolio as well as define automation systems and equipment for clients. He has worked in management at QTRCO, AMRI, Bray Valve & Controls and Emerson Valve Automation (Bettis) throughout his career.

"This world-class team has outstanding awareness about the complex valve automation and engineered products industries," said David Turner, CEO of W&O Supply. "Their technical capabilities and vast experience will richly benefit customers, naval architects, engineering firms and approval societies around the world. They move us toward our goal of becoming the premier global provider of total piping solutions in the marine industry."

Additionally, Donna West has been hired as an automation engineering specialist. West will use her extensive automation expertise to assess client needs, develop and package automation systems, provide technical assistance, manage orders and track production and delivery on budget and on schedule. West is also responsible for leading W&O Supply's non-marine expansion activities into the industrial and wastewater markets. Steve Hartsaw has also been promoted to sales engineer overseeing the engineered products side of the business. Leveraging 27 years of experience and a background in product application, Hartsaw will work with engineering departments to recommend and install innovative products that help clients save time and money in their new construction and repair work. He will also oversee the training initiatives that help workers effectively operate those products. Previously, he assisted shipyards and ship owners to identify emerging technologies in the marine industry.