New Unidirectional Tape Line and Additions to Fibercote’s Management Team
(April 2000) FiberCote is pleased to announce that it has completed the installation of a new state-of-the-art unidirectional tape line and film coater which was designed specifically for tight tolerance aerospace applications and spreading heavy tow to light weight tapes. John Tauriello, Director of Marketing and Sales, stated that FiberCote has had five years of growth and profits matched by a continued stream of capital investments made possible by the support of its parent company – Park Electrochemical Corp. (NYSE – PKE).
Mr. Tauriello further stated that FiberCote is experiencing strong growth in aircraft primary and secondary structures applications. To support this growth, FiberCote has appointed a new Technical Director, Dr. Shari Tidrick-Bugaj, and Steve Garrette, as Director of Operations. In addition, reporting to Dr. Bugaj, Tom Ranalli has been appointed as Quality Control Manager. Mike Babue has also joined FiberCote as Technical Sales Manager – Central Region. The following is a short summarized background on each individual:
Dr. Shari Tidrick-Bugaj joins FiberCote with nine years of extensive Materials and Process Engineering experience in the aerospace market. Shari obtained her B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Polymer Science and Engineering from Case Western Reserve University after performing research on Kevlar® fiber surface modifications and comparing glass epoxy composites with various Silane coupling agent blends. Shari was then involved in production support and trouble-shooting, material evaluation and qualifications, process development, and research and development at Dow-United Technologies Composite Products, Inc. through the asset purchase by GKN Westland Aerospace, Inc. (GKN). GKN is an engineering-led, first-tier supplier of composite components to the aerospace industry. Shari is also a Co-chairperson of the Materials and Process Subcommittee for MIL HDBK-17.
Steve Garrette brings over 15 years of experience in operations management and a wealth of knowledge of composite materials manufacturing and applications. Prior to joining FiberCote, Steve was the Senior Manufacturing Manager at Hermes Abrasives and held various manufacturing and engineering positions at Cytec and Fiberite. Steve has experience in a wide range of composite material weaving, coating, and manufacturing systems. FiberCote is convinced that with Steve’s prior experiences, he will help FiberCote achieve such goals as higher customer satisfaction, Six Sigma, and overall improved efficiency in FiberCote’s manufacturing operations.
Tom Ranalli joined FiberCote as their new QC Manager. Tom has a strong history in SPC (including Six Sigma training) ISO 9001, metrology and gage R&R, root cause analysis, customer interactions, and supplier quality relations. After receiving his B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering from Manhattan College, Tom began his career at Grumman Corporation (now Northrop Grumman) as a Materials and Process Engineer in the Manufacturing and Materials Engineering Department. He then moved to FiberCote as a Quality Assurance Manager. His roles at Photronics, Incorporated and Winchester Electronics included the development of a supplier quality assurance program and ISO certification. Tom extensive composites and quality experience will be a real asset to FiberCote Industries.
Mike Babue has more than 20 years of technical and marketing experience in the Advanced Composites industry. Prior to joining FiberCote, Mike was the Area Manager for Sovereign Engineered Material as well as 14 years with Cytec (Fiberite) Engineered Materials Dept. as an Area Manager and Technical Sales Representative. He has extensive experience in qualifications of several product types, i.e., honeycomb core, film adhesives, and prepregs with Prime Contractors or major aircraft programs, such as the B-1, B-2 and F-117A.