Here at Transtar, we’re pleased to announce several organizational changes including numerous additions and promotions within our sales and technical services departments.

“These changes within our Sales and Technical Services Departments will improve our customer service by helping us better understand our customers’ needs,” said Charlie Fuqua, President of Transtar Autobody Technologies.

New Additions
Francisco Torres joined the company as a bilingual, Spanish Technical Representative. Torres has a strong background in technical support and sales, including positions at Pacific Recovery Resources, Ellis Paint Company, and Annex Paint Supplies. Torres also took several courses in the Auto Body Technology Program at Cerritos Community College in Cerritos, California.

Promotions
Bill Ruffini has been appointed National Sales Manager for Transtar. Ruffini will lead the U.S. Sales and National Account Sales Channels as well as continue to act as Vice President of Business Development. In his 19 years at Transtar, Ruffini has held several management positions in Operations, Marketing and Sales.

During his 24 years with Transtar Bill Grey has worked in a variety of training and sales positions, including Territory Manager and Mid-Atlantic Regional Sales Manager. Grey was promoted to National Account Sales Manager.

Jim Mueller joined Transtar is 2008 where he generated significant sales growth within his Central Pennsylvania territory. He was promoted from Territory Manager to Southeastern Regional Sales Manager. Mueller has a B.S. in Communications from Southern Oregon University.

Dereck Cornejo has been promoted to Northern Regional Sales Manager. Cornejo joined Transtar in 2007 as Territory Manager and was most recently Senior Territory Manager of Chicago and Northwest Indiana. Cornejo holds a degree in Criminal Justice from Governors State University.

Paul Lynd joined Transtar in 2005 as Territory Manager for Fresno, California. After having successfully developed his territory he was promoted to Western Regional Sales Manager. Lynd holds extensive experience in the PBE Industry having worked for Sherwin-Williams and Hunter & Price Automotive Paint Store prior to Transtar.

Here at Transtar, we are pleased to announce organizational changes in several departments.

“These additions and promotions within our R&D, EHS, Marketing and IT departments will help increase our efficiency and output of top quality products to the marketplace,” said Charlie Fuqua, President of Transtar Autobody Technologies.

New Additions
Transtar expanded its R&D department with the addition of Ehi Izirein as Formulation Chemist. Izirein has extensive experience in aftermarket coatings gained while formulating  a variety of product lines for BASF.  Izirein holds a Masters Degree from Eastern Michigan University in Polymers and Coatings.

Also joining the R&D department is Matt Pinter as a Raw Material Chemist. His background includes a Research and Development internship at Blackmore Company and he is also a member of the Federation of Society of Coatings Technology. Pinter will receive his Bachelor of Science from Eastern Michigan University this month with a concentration in Polymers & Coating Technology and Chemistry.

Transtar also added Ken Lauwers to the team to manage Environmental, Health and Safety responsibilities. Before joining Transtar, Lauwers worked as Lead Research Chemist and Safety Manager at GST Auto Leather Innovation Center. He earned a B.S. in Chemistry from Lawrence Technological University.

Promotions
Julie Montes was promoted to Director of Marketing where she will continue to oversee the Marketing Department and maintain an active role in implementing strategic business initiatives. Montes joined Transtar in October 2005 as Marketing Manager. She holds a BA in English and Communications from the University of Michigan and an MBA with a Marketing Concentration from Eastern Michigan University.

Tom Gambaccini was recently promoted to the position of Director of Information Systems.  Gambaccini has been with Transtar for more than 20 years working in an IT capacity. Prior to joining the Transtar Team, he held various IT and financial roles within the BFGoodrich/Tremco organizations.