Dryvit Systems, Inc. has announced the creation of a new position to oversee its North American manufacturing operations. The move comes as growing sales across Dryvit’s EIFS and NewBrick product lines will require additional production output at the company’s five manufacturing facilities.

Alex Winiecke, Dryvit’s long-time manager of its Oklahoma plant, has been named the company’s first Director of North America Manufacturing. In his new role, Winiecke will provide strategic direction and general oversight for North American manufacturing while leading budgetary planning and compliance, KPI reporting and overall safety compliance.

In addition to boosting manufacturing operations, Dryvit has expanded its R&D ranks with the hiring of Ajay Padwal, who will serve as the Technical Manager of New Product & Technology Development. Padwal holds a PhD and MS in Polymers and Coatings Technology from the University of Mumbai, India. He most recently served as Global Senior R&D Manager with Saint-Gobain, North America.

“The cornerstone of Dryvit’s reputation for product innovation and excellence is our tremendous strength in manufacturing, engineering and R&D,” said Mike Murphy, Dryvit’s President and CEO. “With today’s announced new hires and promotions, we’ve strengthened both our manufacturing and product development capabilities to help fuel further sales growth across North America.”

Assuming Winiecke’s former post will be Greg Kinard, a long-time Dryvit employee who has been promoted from Production Supervisor at the Oklahoma plant to Plant Manager. Dryvit’s California manufacturing facility will also see new leadership with the promotion of Gary Lepper from Assistant Plant Manager to Plant Manager. Lepper joined Dryvit two years ago, bringing extensive plant management experience that paved the way for his promotion. 

Dryvit’s sales operation has also seen a promotion with the elevation of Jeff Brunner from Southeast Regional Sales Manager to Director of East Coast Sales. Brunner is a sales management veteran who initially worked for a Dryvit distributor and in 1986 brought his sales talents to Dryvit in the Florida market before working elsewhere in the industry. Brunner rejoined Dryvit in 1999. In addition, Brett Henry has been promoted from Field Services Manager to Technical Sales Associate for the states of Nevada and Utah. Henry began working for Dryvit in 2001 as a Field Services Manager within the western sales region. In his new role, Henry will work with architects, general contractors, owners, developers and installers to educate them about the Dryvit and NewBrick product lines.