McClarin Composites Board of Directors Bios:
Charles Bennett (Chairman)
Education: BS / Finance / Ferris State University
Experience: Chuck Bennett was the CEO of Dixie Chemical Company a Houston Texas based manufacturer of specialty chemicals with over 200 employees from 2009 through June, 2015.
Mr. Bennett is currently Vice Chairman of the Dixie Chemical Board of Directors; Board of Governor’s and Executive Committee of SOCMA (Society of Chemical Manufactures & Associates) and ACA (American Coatings Association). and Immediate Past Chairman, Board and Executive Committee member of the West Michigan YMCA.
From 1998 to 2008, Chuck was the CEO of Cook Composites & Polymers in Kansas City, MO.
CCP is a manufacturer and distributor of composites and coatings resins and related products with 1,300 employees, 15 manufacturing sites, and 44 distribution centers. From 1996 to 1999 Chuck founded and sold off Polymer Products, Inc. a coatings and resins manufacturer based in Grand Rapids, MI. From 1979 to 1996 he served as the CEO/President of Guardsman Products, Inc. with 10 operations in North America and Europe. Guardsman Products was a manufacturer of industrial paints and consumer cleaning products. Chuck also held various positions including Corp. Controller, V.P. Regional Operations, V.P. Manufacturing, CFO, COO, & CEO. The company was sold to Lilly Industries in 1996. From 1972 to 1979 he was the Audit Manager for PWC. Additionally, from 1970 through 1972 he served as a Lieutenant in the US Army.”
Larry Miller
Education: BA / Western Michigan University
Experience: Mr. Miller is currently a partner in Crystal Associates LLC. an investment company holding securities, real estate, and other manufacturing company assets. He specializes in turnaround work with an expertise in operations. Prior to his present position he was Chairman & CEO of Kent Design & Manufacturing which he owned since 1998, served as President of American Seating, a manufacture of transportation, stadium and office furniture seating and has held numerous senior management positions with the General Electric, General Motors, Donaldson, and Knapp & Vogt since. Mr. Miller has served on numerous boards including American Seating, Optional Energy Partners, CMS Microsystems, Custom Profile, BSI Security Systems, Bos Foods, Goodwill Industries, St Johns Home, The Right Place Inc. Manufacturers Council and the Western Michigan University Grand Rapids Haworth Graduate School of Business.
John Buchan
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering / General Motors Institute
Master’s Degree in Manufacturing Management / General Motors Institute
Experience: John Buchan is the Chief Operations Officer/Vice President of Operations for Autocam Precision Components Group of NN Inc (formerly Autocam Corporation). He has been with Autocam for 15 years and is responsible for over 20 customer accounts, 14 manufacturing sites and 2500 associates in North America, South America, Europe and Asia generating over $375 Million in revenue. Prior to Autocam, John worked 12 years at Benteler Automotive in various technical leadership roles culminating as Executive Vice President of the Exhaust Products Group. John started his career with General Motors Central Foundry and Rochester Products Divisions.
Mr. Buchan has spent his entire career in Operations related roles. He has held a variety of technical leadership positions and has led international organizations to best in class performance. These recognitions include; Automotive News’s Pace Award and Utah State University’s prestigious Shingo Prize. In addition, John has considerable global experience with greenfield startups, acquisition integration, project launches and turnaround situations.
Mr. Buchan also serves or has served on many non profit organization including: MichiganWorks Workforce Development Board, West Michigan Junior Achievement Board, West Michigan’s Right Place Manufacturer’s Council, West Michigan World Affairs Council Board, Grand Valley State University’s Engineering Advisory Committee, Western Michigan University Industrial Engineering Advisory Committee, Kent ISD’s Pre-Engineering Advisory Committee, Kent County and Caledonia Township Officer’s Compensation Committees and is a former Board President of the Wyoming Economic Development Council.