Ash Grove Cement Co. announced that Stuart E. Tomlinson is joining the company as its vice president of manufacturing for the Midwest region and will be based in the company’s home office in Overland Park, Kan. He will join Ash Grove Aug. 15. The current vice president of manufacturing – Midwest region, Edwin Pierce, retires effective Dec. 31.
“Stu is a cement industry veteran, and he possesses more than three decades of experience. He is an industry leader and will be an important part of the Ash Grove leadership team,” said Ash Grove Cement Co. Senior Vice President of Manufacturing Michael J. Hrizuk.
Prior to joining Ash Grove, Tomlinson was president Heidelberg Technology Center and senior vice president – manufacturing/engineering with Lehigh Hanson in Allentown, Pa., and previously served as president – Mountain Cement Co. with Eagle Materials in Laramie, Wyo., and vice president – manufacturing for CEMEX/Southdown in Charlevoix, Mich., and Houston. In those companies, he directed cement operations, project engineering, technical services, terminal management, sales markets and logistics.
In his new role, Tomlinson will direct Ash Grove’s cement operations in the Midwest region, which includes four cement manufacturing plants in Chanute, Kan., Foreman, Ark., Louisville, Neb., and Midlothian, Texas. He will be an officer of the company, according to Hrizuk.
“Working for the largest privately held, American-owned company with its progressive approach to adapting new technology and strong compliance record offers me a great professional opportunity, and I am looking forward to joining the team and launching the modernized plant in Midlothian,” said Tomlinson.
Tomlinson is a native Texan. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Geology from the University of Texas – El Paso. He earned a certificate in executive management strategy and development from a consortium of top business programs.
“Ed has capably led the Midwest region for more than 20 years after serving as plant manager of Ash Grove’s Seattle plant,” according to Hrizuk. During his tenure as vice president he oversaw the company’s biggest plant expansion in Foreman, Ark., and another in Chanute, Kan., as well as installation of important nitrogen oxides emission control equipment in Midlothian, Texas, and the approval of that plant’s modernization project and initial construction. In Louisville, Neb., he oversaw a $25 million baghouse installation project.
Pierce plans to leave Kansas City to return with his wife, Debbie, to his hometown, Perry, Ga., and enjoy retirement, including watching football at his alma mater, Auburn University.