LIMA, Ohio -- MetoKote Corp. today announced senior management changes in Europe to strengthen its coating operations and improve alignment of internal resources.

Effective immediately, Jake Sturges will assume the role of managing director, MetoKote Europe. Sturges has been with MetoKote for four years as plant manager of the company's 10,500-square-meter, U.S.-based, InSite facility in East Moline, Ill. Sturges will relocate to Mannheim, Germany, home of MetoKote's newest regional coating service center. As part of his new assignment, Sturges will drive MetoKote's continued initiatives in total quality management and operational efficiency. Sturges will report directly to MetoKote President and CEO DeWayne Pinkstaff.

"Jake's success at East Moline and his leadership experience make him uniquely qualified for this new responsibility," said Pinkstaff.

Ian Warren is taking on the role of country manager for MetoKote's two United Kingdom facilities, located in Daventry and Telford, and will be reporting directly to Sturges.

Zina Nakicevic will retain her responsibilities as general manager for the company's Central European operations located in the Czech Republic and Hungary, as well as, management of the Mannheim, Germany, operation. Nakicevic will also report to Sturges.

Replacing Sturges, Kalen Lewis has been appointed plant manager of MetoKote's East Moline facility and will report to Ed Eckenroth, general manager, Western Region. Kalen was previously production manager for the company's Cedar Falls, Iowa, facility.

“These important organizational changes will improve our internal alignment of resources to most effectively focus on satisfying the needs of our customers and will position the company to continue its growth in Europe," added Pinkstaff.