Furukawa Rock Drill/USA this week appointed Jeffery Crane president and chief operating officer; Manabu (Michael) Sato vice president; and William (Bo) Veverka controller. The executive appointments are part of an ongoing effort to streamline U.S. operations, including the consolidation of Kent Demolition Tools and Furukawa Rock Drill under one brand name — Furukawa Rock Drill/USA.
“Our goal is to build upon the strength of our global parent, Furukawa Company Ltd., and to increase our brand awareness domestically and internationally,” said Crane. “We are confident in the abilities of our leadership team to help FRD/USA to reach its full potential and meet the needs that will satisfy customers, employees and position the company for strong future growth.
In his new position Crane will oversee the company’s daily operations, create growth strategies, and manage product development and improvement for FRD/USA’s attachments and drill division. Crane joined the company in 1974, working in the breaker division as regional manager, sales manager and sales general manager before being promoted to vice president in 2004.
Sato will be responsible for the FRD/USA drill division’s sales, product improvements and territory expansion. He has worked for the company for more than 20 years, with an assignment in Malaysia for two years as a sales representative and deputy general manager for FRD’s overseas marketing department.
Veverka brings nearly 25 years of experience to his new position as controller. Before joining FRD, he was vice president of Waste Management of Ohio – Northeast, one of the area’s largest waste management companies.
Headquartered in Kent, Ohio, Furukawa Rock Drill is a wholly owned subsidiary of Furukawa Rock Drill Co., which was founded in 1875 by Ichibei Furukawa to mine and smelt copper. The business steadily expanded to include its breaker/attachment division specializing in attachments for skid steer, mini excavators, backhoes and excavators.
