New Way Trucks announces leadership changes

McLaughlin Family Cos., the parent company of Scranton, Iowa-based New Way Trucks, has announced leadership changes to the firm, which it calls the largest privately held manufacturer of refuse equipment in North America.

“We are in the middle of a five-year plan of capital investment in facility infrastructure and machine technology to respond to significant sales growth in the solid waste markets we serve,” CEO Mike McLaughlin says. “Today, we kick off the next phase of our company’s growth by announcing our expanded leadership team: a team focused on executing our plan to meet our customers’ needs that include designing, producing and supporting the highest quality refuse and recycling equipment available.” 

Johnathon McLaughlin, a third-generation family member behind founder John McLaughlin and CEO Mike McLaughlin, is being promoted to chief manufacturing officer of the New Way Trucks and K-PAC Compactor brands.

In the new role, the younger McLaughlin will be responsible for manufacturing operations in Scranton and in Booneville, Mississippi, as well as coordinating with joint venture manufacturers in Canada, Mexico and Australia. He will be “especially focused on standardizing manufacturing practices and streamlining manufacturing workflow to increase efficiency, reduce lead times and improve quality,” the company says.

Johnathan McLaughlin most recently held the position of executive vice president with the company and has more than 15 years of experience in production, sales and product development.

Don Ross, a 35-year solid waste industry veteran, also is being promoted. Ross moves from vice president of sales and marketing to chief sales officer, responsible for leading and managing the company’s sales and marketing efforts.

New Way credits Ross for having broad industry experience that includes collection and postcollection oversight, consultancy, equipment manufacturing and distribution, as well as multiple association volunteer roles. Ross currently serves as chair of the Arlington, Virginia-based National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA).

The company also is announcing the hiring of Eric Evans as its chief product officer. Evans joins the company with more than 20 years of experience in the waste and recycling industry with experience in sales, operations, service and new product development.

“Eric brings an exceptional level of knowledge and understanding of our industry to New Way, and we are excited to have him join our team,” Ross says. Evans will oversee product design, development and support.

Evans says, “New Way and McLaughlin Family Cos. have an outstanding history of providing customers with a broad offering of refuse collection bodies and innovative solutions to solve their refuse industry challenges.? I am truly excited to be joining an excellent leadership team and look forward to helping New Way continue to grow and serve our valued customers.”

“Johnathon, Don and Eric represent the next phase of our company’s plan to become our customers’ first and only choice for their solid waste equipment,” says Steve Goetsch, chief operating officer at New Way. “Coupled with the explosive sales growth we are experiencing, a focus on product development, support and manufacturing will propel New Way Trucks to the next level.” 

McLaughlin Family Cos. encompasses a portfolio of businesses that includes refuse and recycling equipment, animal control and mobile veterinary equipment, new and used automotive vehicle sales and automotive parts and car care products distribution and sales.