ABC Companies Restructures, Invests in Expansion

Faribault, Minn. — ABC Companies is implementing a variety of corporate and infrastructure initiatives aimed at positioning the company for long term stability and expansion. The enterprise‐wide strategy includes plans to enhance and expand operations to effectively impact all major business areas, as well as the restructure of key management teams.

“Our ability to fluidly scale our teams and talent and commitment to infrastructure investment continues to fuel the sustainable growth and stability that underscore ABC’s leadership position,” said Dane Cornell, ABC president/CEO.

ABC CCO Roman Cornell Cornell will continue to serve in his current capacity, as several members of ABC’s senior leadership will take on new responsibilities. They include:

Roman Cornell has been promoted to chief commercial officer. As chief commercial strategist, his responsibilities will focus on all revenue‐generating aspects of the business with oversight of sales, after‐sales and commercial operating functions. Cornell will continue in his leadership position for the company’s parts group which encompasses the ABC OEM and aftermarket brands as well as their transit parts group, Muncie‐Baker.

Senior Vice President for the East Coast Mike Laffan “We expect to grow and expand year over year,” commented Roman Cornell. “By keeping our operations flexible, we plan to focus on increasing efficiencies and streamlining operations. We can pass those benefits directly on to our customers.”

Mike Laffan is promoted to a new role as senior vice president for the East Coast, with interim oversight for the West Coast market region as ABC seeks to fill the post. Laffan will oversee all sales activities for existing accounts.

Brenda Borwege will assume the new role of senior vice president for Midwest and Southwest sales. Borwege will oversee all sales activities and will lead, direct and drive sales efforts, profitability and growth throughout the Midwest and Southwest regions, serving existing accounts and business lines and new clients.

Senior Vice President of Midwest and Southwest Sales Brenda Borwege Jon Savitz will continue to serve as senior vice president of service operations and will be responsible for oversight and supervision of day‐to‐day activities for ABC Service divisions including negotiations for contract maintenance services.

Ashley Cornell will serve as vice president of marketing and will be responsible for the development and direction of all strategic marketing and communications efforts both internally and externally for all ABC business affiliates. Additionally, she will continue to serve as corporate commercial liaison, coordinating and assisting customer relations for key strategic accounts.

Jay Oakman will continue in his role as vice president of commercial operations with responsibility for the development and management of large commercial accounts. He also continues to function as corporate liaison between ABC and Van Hool to facilitate communication and coordination of all activities including technical support and training, warranty support and product development.

Senior Vice President of Service Operations Jon Savitz John Gillis has been promoted to vice president for ABC Parts. This division continues to expand inventory to support fleet operations.

In other news, the company announced plans to expand its presence in California with an additional facility in Newark. The planned location is just 15 minutes from ABC’s Redwood operation.

“The Newark hub is designed to offer fleet service, while the Redwood facility will continue to function as a retail service operation,” says Jon Savitz, senior vice president of service operations. “The Newark location will include a 30,000 square foot facility with an additional two acres of parking. Along with all repair, maintenance and collision services, the new location will also include vehicle wash bays, full paint and body booths, and lifts bays. Additionally, the facility is designed to bring parts closer to customers with plans to include a 6,000-square foot warehouse and distribution center.”

Visit abc-companies.com for more information.

[CD0317]