Toll-Free: 800.456.5263 CAREERS CONTACT RESOURCES APPLICATIONS PROCESSES MATERIALS SERVICES ABOUT MFG LOCATIONS HOME › ABOUT MFG › PRESS RELEASES & ANNOUNCEMENTS Press Releases & Announcements MFG Announces Closure of South Dakota Manufacturing Plant FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Camille Cox OnRamp Communications camille@onrampcomm.com 805.391.0378 mobile MFG Announces Closure of South Dakota Manufacturing Plant ABERDEEN, SD — June 8, 2021 — Molded Fiber Glass Companies (MFG) announced today the closure of MFG South Dakota, the company’s wind blade manufacturing plant located in Aberdeen, South Dakota. The plant broke ground in 2007 and has been dedicated to the production of wind turbine blades. The closure comes as a result of changes in market conditions, foreign competition and proposed revisions to tax policies impacting the wind energy industry in the United States. The company will remain open to fulfill existing wind blade orders through August 6, 2021. Teammates at the plant have been informed of the closure and will be privately informed of their individual separation dates. The company is working in conjunction with the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation to assist teammates with reemployment benefits and to help with job search and placement. At the time of the announcement, the company employed 300 teammates at the 315,000-sf facility. MFG has been active in the wind energy industry since 1980. In addition to blades the company manufactures wind turbine nacelles and spare parts at facilities in Texas and Alabama. It also provides field and factory maintenance and repair services for wind blades. These businesses will not be negatively impacted by the South Dakota facility closure. ABOUT MFG Molded Fiber Glass Companies is a leader in the field of reinforced plastics and composites, serving diverse markets with a variety of composite material systems and processes. A family-owned business for more than 70 years, the company has 14 operating entities throughout North America and is headquartered in Ashtabula, Ohio. More information on the company can be found at www.moldedfiberglass.com. MFG Corp_PR_06_08_2021_final Griffith Promoted to MFG Corporate VP ASHTABULA, Ohio — June 23, 2020 — Molded Fiber Glass Companies (MFG) announced that Herb Griffith has been promoted to vice president. In addition to his current role as head of corporate purchasing, his expanded responsibilities will include oversight of company’s manufacturing operations in Apodaca, Mexico. Mr. Griffith will report to Senior Vice President Dan Plona. Herb joined MFG South Dakota in 2010 in production and in 2015 was promoted to materials manager. In 2018, Herb was named director of corporate purchasing, and relocated to the Corporate headquarters in Ashtabula, OH. John Thompson Promoted to SVP John Thompson, general manager of MFG Tray Company since 2010, was recently promoted to Senior Vice President for MFG. According to Andy Juhola, VP Human Resources, “John is a dynamic leader and relates to all levels of the organization.” Upon graduation from Edinboro University in 1989 with a BS in Chemistry, John was attracted to MFG’s “family approach to doing business.” He was hired on as a process engineer for MFG Tray Company and has since served in technical/management roles at MFG Research and CSC in addition to MFG Tray. He earned an MBA from Franklin University in 2000. When asked what he has observed in the way of change in the composites industry since joining 30 years ago, he says “Our industry has become more technically centered and less tribal-knowledge focused. In my view, the strength of MFG has been a masterful blending of both to enhance our company’s capabilities.” On the personal side, he and his wife Diana of 20 years enjoy spending time with their two children and three grandchildren. He enjoys hobbies that keep him physically and mentally active such as reading, listening to music, golf, hunting and softball leagues. He is an active member of the Linesville Rotary Club and Sons of American Legion. MFG South Dakota – Ten Years Strong Beginning as a collaboration with the city of Aberdeen and the South Dakota Economic Development Corporation, MFG SD is a study in the power of team work. MFG had a lot to celebrate in November – record business results for 2019, a 10-year milestone, and positive social and economic impacts on their hometown community. To celebrate the occasion, MFG teammates were recognized at a festive, late afternoon dinner event. Senior Vice President Dave Giovannini and President/CEO Richard Morrison (via Skype) congratulated the 400+ teammates on the achievements of the past decade. Two special guests were on hand for the occasion, former mayor Mike Levsen and former CEO of the Aberdeen Development Corporation Jim Barringer. These individuals and their respective organizations were instrumental partners in the formative years of the enterprise. In a stirring tribute, Mr. Levsen praised MFG’s steadfast commitment, particularly during periods of challenging conditions in the wind industry. MFG brought more than just new employment opportunities, they introduced a new industry to the regional economy. Explaining the positive impacts of expanded demographic diversity, he thanked those teammates who relocated their families from other states or countries, bringing new perspectives and making Aberdeen a better place. Mr. Levsen also drew attention to the remarkable workforce longevity that MFG cultivates. He noted the printed placemats that listed the names of 36 teammates who were “first hires” and 10 additional teammates with 10 years of service. The composition of the workforce at MFG South Dakota is highly international, including a significant number of Spanish- and Karen-speaking teammates. The program for the entire event was translated in real-time by live translators. At the conclusion of the program, each teammate was presented with an anniversary medallion paperweight and their well-earned bonus check. Senior VP Dave Giovannini (center) welcomes honored guests Jim Barringer, former CEO of the Aberdeen Development Corporation, and Mike Levson, former mayor of the city of Aberdeen. They were important supporting partners in the launch of MFG SD. INEOS Named 2019 Supplier of the Year INEOS (formerly Ashland Composites) was honored as the 2019 Supplier of the Year at MFG’s annual Supplier Recognition Day. Twenty-four suppliers and distributors joined the MFG management team at the Quail Hollow Country Club for the morning business presentation, a round of golf and awards presentation dinner. Herb Griffith, MFG director of corporate purchasing, recognized INEOS for being “an outstanding strategic partner for MFG over the years”. MFG Aberdeen Signs Lease with Legacy Capital Partners December 12, 2018 MFG Commemorates 70 Years in Composites Manufacturing Industry July 12, 2018 MFG Aberdeen, SD Plant Hiring Again to Support New Wind Blade Order July 2, 2018 Christine Ericksen Promoted to VP of MFG Research March 8, 2018 MFG Announces New Wind Blade Order for South Dakota Manufacturing Facility December 28, 2017 Cesar de la Rosa Promoted to Plant Manager MFG Texas November 30, 2017 Andy Juhola Promoted to SVP Human Resources July 29, 2016 MFG Promotes Carl LaFrance to SVP Quality September 12, 2014 MFG Introduces New UL-Approved Non-Flammable SMC Material November 21, 2013 MFG Renames Wind Energy Services Company (WES) April 23, 2013 Dave Denny Receives 2012 BEST Award for LIfetime Contributions to Composites Industry July 2, 2012 PACCAR Recognizes MFG Texas as Top Performing Supplier 2012 June 1, 2012 Peter Emrich Added to ACMA’s Hall of Fame for Contributions to Industry March 23, 2012 MFG Now Supplying Spare Composite Parts for Wind Turbines November 21, 2011 Stay Up To Date! 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