SYCAMORE, IL — IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC. has appointed Christopher Forthaus as Senior Product Manager for its Test Division. Forthaus was previously Deployment Lead in the Project Management Office of Boise, Inc. He will report to Paul Finnie, Vice President/General Manager-Global Networks for IDEAL.
In making the announcement, Finnie said: “The success of the Test Division depends on the strength and innovation of our best-of-breed instruments. Christopher’s proven leadership and technology vision will contribute to the further development of IDEAL multimeters, power quality testers, circuit tracers and analyzers, and other specialty meters. We are excited that he brings his knowledge and experience, along with a firm grasp of Lean Six Sigma as a tool in process and business improvement, to his role as Senior Product Manager.”
In his new position, Forthaus will oversee the product management chain for IDEAL test and measurement instruments. These tools are used daily by electricians and maintenance professional to verify the quality, safety and functionality of electrical circuits in residential, commercial and industrial settings. Forthaus will guide the product management process from initial conception through to development, manufacturing, launch and service. In addition, he will lead marketing operations to build awareness and demand for IDEAL testing equipment in the electrical distribution channel.
Forthaus brings a wealth of product management experience to IDEAL. Prior to joining Boise in 2001 as a Senior Product Manager he served in management positions at Westell, CNH Industrial, Boeing and McDonnell Douglas. He also was a Chief Warrant Officer and pilot in the United States Army from 1985 to 1995 where he was honorably discharged with several awards and distinctions. In his most recent position at Boise, Forthaus deployed lean methodologies, systems, and centralized project management infrastructure across the organization to drive operational excellence. His work resulted in a number of U.S. patents being awarded to Boise in paper product and packaging design.
Forthaus holds a Master of Science in Aviation/Aerospace Operations from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and a Bachelor of Science in Aircraft Maintenance Management from Parks College of Saint Louis University. Additionally, he is currently working towards Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification at the University of Illinois.
To learn more visit www.idealindustries.com.
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