Dielectric Announces Two New Appointments

Dielectric has announced two new appointments in a company effort to expand its workforce, production capacity, and business development efforts.

Henry Fries has been appointed as the new manager of RF Systems and Products, along with Chuck Thompson who will assume the role of production supervisor for the company's newly-created second shift.

With more than 30 years of experience rising through the ranks at Comark Communications, Mr Fries will help Dielectric design and develop new RF components, such as combiners for shared antennas, and passive RF systems. He will also focus on improving design workflows, as well as the documentation and manufacturing of Dielectric's standard and custom RF product lines.

"Besides the immediate focus on the spectrum repack, one of my challenges in this new role will be to explore opportunities that could strengthen demand for Dielectric's high-power RF systems beyond its traditional broadcast base, including such vertical markets as scientific and industrial applications," Mr Fries said. "I'm delighted to join Dielectric and to help propel the company forward."

Mr Thompson brings broad experience in logistics, operations and manufacturing management to Dielectric, having held senior positions at Noranda Aluminum and Donaldson Company.

Mr Fries and Thompson join Dielectric at a time when the manufacturing demand is rapidly expanding to keep pace with antenna orders from broadcast TV stations impacted by the spectrum repack. Beginning 23 July, the company officially added a second shift at its Raymond, Maine facility to boost productivity and the delivery of new broadcast products.

Mr Thompson immediately began interviewing, hiring and overseeing the training of workers to assume manufacturing roles during the evening shift. "My goal for the second shift is to not only produce more product, but to work as a team with the day shift by providing organisational support that helps them increase their operational efficiency," he said.

"With their extensive backgrounds and specialised skillsets, we're fortunate that Henry and Chuck have joined our company at this pivotal time in our history," added Keith Pelletier, Dielectric's GM and vice president. "They're already proving their value by helping us build products of uncompromised quality, while honing our manufacturing processes to maximise operational efficiencies and output."

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