ATCHISON, Kan., Oct. 8, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MGP (Nasdaq:MGPI), a leading supplier of premium distilled spirits and specialty wheat proteins and starches, today announced the promotion of Steve Glaser to the position of vice president of production and engineering.
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In accepting this role, Glaser succeeds Randy Schrick, who is retiring Dec. 31, 2015 following 42 years with the company. During the time before his retirement, Schrick will transfer his current responsibilities to Glaser after which he will maintain a relationship with MGP through an exclusive multi-year consulting arrangement.
"I am deeply honored, grateful and humbled by the opportunity to follow in Randy Schrick's footsteps," Glaser said. "Randy has been not only a fine mentor, but also an outstanding leader and an inspiration for all of us at MGP. We have a solid strategic plan, a great team and a very positive culture, which can only lead to continued success and a bright future for MGP."
Glaser has over 25 years of executive leadership and senior operations experience. He joined MGP as plant manager of the company's Atchison, Kan., facility in 2011, and has served as corporate director of operations since 2014.
In his new role as vice president of production and engineering, Glaser will support MGP's long-term growth plans by assuming leadership of all production and engineering activities. Among his priorities is using his leadership abilities and expertise to develop the skills and capabilities of others within the organization.
"We are very fortunate to have someone with Steve's broad range of experience to help lead our next phase of growth," said MGP President and CEO Gus Griffin. "He is a proven leader and dynamic problem solver who leverages his strong mix of engineering skills, business acumen and top tier executive management capabilities."
Just prior to joining MGP, Glaser served for three years as president and CEO of Briggs Industries, Charleston, S.C., a leading, multi-site international kitchen and bath products business and subsidiary of Ceramicas Industriales S.A., Santiago, Chile. That followed three years as vice president of operations for the company.
Preceding his employment at Briggs, he held supply chain-related positions with increased responsibility at Sony Electronics, Ingersoll Rand's Schlage Lock Company, and Electrolux Home Products.
Before starting his business career, Glaser served in the U.S. Navy for 10 years in their elite Engineering Duty Officer Program. This program consisted of a team of 900 officers responsible for the Navy's entire capital equipment program, including aircraft, ships and submarines.
Glaser received a bachelor of science degree in industrial engineering from Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, in 1983. The following year, he earned a master of science degree in industrial engineering at Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind. In 1991, Glaser earned a master of science degree in electrical engineering at the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, Calif. He additionally has participated in numerous professional development courses and programs over the years.
About MGP
MGP is a leading supplier of premium distilled spirits and specialty wheat proteins and starches. Distilled spirits include bourbon and rye whiskeys, gins and vodkas, which are carefully crafted through a combination of art and science and backed by over 170 years of experience. The company's proteins and starches are created in the same manner and provide a host of functional, nutritional and sensory benefits for a wide range of food products. MGP additionally is a top producer of high quality industrial alcohol for use in both food and non-food applications. The company is headquartered in Atchison, Kansas, where distilled alcohol products and food ingredients are produced. Premium spirits are also distilled and matured at the company facility in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. For more information, visit mgpingredients.com.
