Astec Industries Inc. announced the following promotions, effective August 22, 2012:
- W. Norman Smith, President and Chief Operating Officer
- Benjamin G. Brock, Group Vice President – Asphalt
- Richard J. Dorris, Group Vice President – Energy
In connection with Smith's promotion, Dr. J. Don Brock resigned from the role of president of Astec Industries Inc., but he will continue to serve as its CEO.
"Our decentralized company structure facilitates the development of a strong internal management team," said Brock. "As evidenced by their respective backgrounds noted below, these individuals bring considerable experience to their new roles."
W. Norman (Norm) Smith had served as group vice president-asphalt since 1998 and as president of Astec Inc. from 1994 to 2006 and president of Heatec, Inc. from 1977 to 1994. Smith has a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering, is a registered professional engineer, has served as a director of Astec Industries Inc. since 1982 and is one of the founders of the company.
Benjamin (Ben) G. Brock was appointed president of Astec Inc. in 2006. From 2003 to 2006 he held the position of vice president-sales of Astec Inc. and general manager of CEI Enterprises Inc. from 1997 to 2002. Brock's career with Astec began as a salesman in 1993. In addition to being named asphalt-group vice president, Brock is now responsible for Astec Australia Pty Ltd which reports results in the "other" group of Astec Industries Inc. Brock has a bachelor of science degree in economics and a minor in marketing.
Richard (Rick) J. Dorris was appointed president of Heatec Inc. in 2004. From 1999 to 2004 he held the positions of national accounts manager and director of projects for Astec Inc. When Astec acquired Esstee Manufacturing Company in 1999, Dorris was president of Esstee, a position he had held since 1990. Dorris was sales engineer from 1984 to 1990. He has a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering and received his designation as a professional engineer.
By creating the Energy Group these companies will focus on asphalt heating and storage, thermal fluid process heating, blending systems for ground tire rubber and polymers, water heating for fracking systems, and process heating of biomass and other related energy and infrastructure markets.
