American LaFrance announces new president and CEO, A. Matthew Karmel

American LaFrance announced today the appointment of A. Matthew Karmel as president and chief executive officer. With Karmel’s arrival, Bill Hinz was named chairman. Karmel will report to Hinz in his new role.

Karmel joins the American LaFrance team as the company transitions to a permanent leadership team. Karmel will be making additions to his staff to complete his team over the next few months.

Karmel brings more than 25 years of manufacturing experience in a variety of industries, including heavy engines at Detroit Diesel Corp. His body of work includes several successful turnaround companies, both domestic and international. His most recent position was that of president of Asia-Pacific, MAG Industrial Automation Systems.

Karmel is a degreed mechanical engineer, earning his PhD in 1981 from Princeton
University. He is also a licensed professional engineer and holds several patents.

Karmel will be relocating to the area permanently in the very near future.

“Matthew brings a wealth of experience to American LaFrance, at a time when the Company is poised to emerge from its legal proceedings” Hinz says. “By having Matthew in place there will be a seamless transition of leadership. I will remain actively engaged with American LaFrance focusing on the strategic elements of the business while Matthew will immediately engage the tactical.”