PLYMOUTH, Mich.—Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies GmbH & Co. has appointed Theodore Duclos as acting president of its North America organization, effective June 11.
Duclos succeeds Bradley Norton, who announced his departure from the firm to pursue other professional opportunities, according to Freudenberg-NOK.
Duclos will oversee the ongoing evolution and growth of Freudenberg-NOK's management and business functions in the Americas. He joined Freudenberg-NOK in 1996 and has more than 20 years of industry experience in research and development, technology development and management.
He will continue his role as CEO of the firm's fluid power division.
“I'm very grateful to the company for giving me this opportunity,” Duclos said. “I have a very deep love for the company and for what we do. I'm very grateful that I have this opportunity to give the company direction and continue to work on the integration of the company into our global business.”
Duclos previously served as vice president of operations and technology, vice president of corporate technology and chief technical officer overseeing Freudenberg-NOK's technical capabilities, research and development programs, and development of new products, material and processing technologies.
During his time with the firm, he planned and supervised the construction of Freudenberg's 55,000-sq.-ft. technical center for advanced seal, noise, vibration and harshness, and materials testing facilities in Plymouth.
“That's the core of the company, how we improve our manufacturing and deliver technology to our customers is really the value we add,” Duclos said. “I know the organization and people very well and understand how important and critical it is to have the right people and depend on them to deliver that quality technology and service.”
He said he wants to continue the firm's strong commitment to technology and quality while continuing to improve Freudenberg's service. The firm will continue fostering growth among its core industry focuses—process seals, aerospace, hydraulic and pneumatic seals in construction and agricultural machines.
“Automotive is very important to us, but we like to have a balanced portfolio of business,” Duclos said. “The non-automotive areas are ones we like to focus on.”
Freudenberg's global Sealing Technologies segment is focused on growth in China and India, but Duclos said Freudenberg-NOK will continue to invest in North America and focus on growing its South American business.
“Sealing Technologies is a really big part of the Freudenberg Group overall,” Duclos said. “We see ourselves growing organically by gaining market share and also by targeting acquisitions, finding companies that make sense in terms of market share and technology.
“I can't say I have specific numerical goals yet, but we'll put those things together as it makes sense and what you'll see is us continuing on the path of providing good technology, quality and service,” he said.