A tier one automotive supplier on the lakeshore hired a new chief technology officer.
Grand Haven-based Shape Corp., a global tier one automotive supplier that makes plastic and hybrid components, said Monday, Sept. 27, it hired Ed Pleet as chief technology officer (CTO). Pleet has more than 24 years of engineering and leadership experience within the industry.
“I am thrilled to bring Ed’s tremendous experience to our organization, as I believe his expertise will provide us with the knowledge and skills necessary to advance our technology vision,” said Mark White, president and CEO of Shape Corp. “This includes his proven ability to lead team members in development that not only advances technology but the individuals themselves.”
Pleet will oversee Shape’s global engineering functions, including advanced product development. His focus will be on advancing the company’s technology in crash management solutions and strengthening Shape’s global position in engineering through innovative product design and manufacturing.
“I am looking forward to enabling the innovative spirit of Shape’s engineering team,” Pleet said. “Technology, such as their class-leading MonoLeg bumper, along with strengths in roll forming, complex extrusions and advanced injection molding, creates great opportunities for us to create efficient, lightweight design solutions for vehicles.”
Pleet previously worked at Ford Motor Company on the development and evolution of Ford’s signature body structures, body exterior integration and, most recently, body-in-white battery structures and sub/frames. He also was involved with a variety of other key projects within Ford, including the establishment of an in-dash vehicle internet device, radio frequency identification vehicle tool tracking system, the Ford Applink, Emergency Assistance in India, vehicle telematics system, a mechanical cable lock system and the Mustang Mach-E innovative handle design.
“I am excited and humbled to be a part of the Shape Family,” Pleet added. “Shape has a tremendously strong and innovative workforce, along with a world-class leadership team. This team, along with their expertise in crash management, roll forming and complex extrusions, allows us to be well positioned to be a key (original equipment manufacturer) partner for their vehicle structure and plastic applications, with a keen focus on (battery electric vehicle) crash management. I look forward to leveraging my years of OEM experience to help support and enable this talented group.”
Shape Corp.
Founded in 1974, Shape Corp. builds multimaterial impact energy management and lightweight body structures utilizing ultra-high-strength steel roll forming, tight tolerance aluminum extrusions and large-tonnage injection molding. Shape serves an array of industries, including automotive, office furniture, medical, agriculture and more, in Europe, North America and Asia.
The company employs more than 4,500 team members at 17 facilities worldwide.
