Klein Tools hires VP manufacturing

Lincolnshire, Illinois-based Klein Tools hired James Pultorak as VP manufacturing. He will replace Chris Hargan, current senior VP manufacturing, who will retire at the end of 2014.

Pultorak brings over 20 years of experience in manufacturing and operations in a variety of industries, including hand tools, tool storage, printing, packaging, roofing and automotive.

In his new role, Pultorak will be responsible for formulating, recommending and executing manufacturing strategies and policies to guide Klein Tools in maintaining and improving its competitive position and profitability. He will be responsible for all the manufacturing functions and plants at Klein Tools and will be located at the Mansfield, Texas, facility.

Prior to joining Klein Tools, Pultorak worked at WS Packaging Group as VP operations, where he was responsible for multiple facilities’ P&Ls and provided leadership to the plant general managers. At APEX Tool Group (formerly Danaher Corp.) as VP operations, he was responsible for numerous facilities and guided various departments, including finance, human resources, EHS, supply chain, DBS, quality and new product engineering. He was also operations manager at GAF Materials Corporation.

“We welcome Jim’s leadership experience combined with his expertise in client relations, interpersonal skills and knowledge of the manufacturing industry and look forward to Jim’s positive impact on our organization,” states Thomas R. Klein, president of Klein Tools. “We would also like to thank Chris Hargan, senior VP manufacturing, for his leadership over the past 15 years and wish him all the best in the next chapter of his life.”