Linetec Enhances Culture of Continuous Improvement, Promotes Six Sigma Black Belts, Paul Bratz and Bob Gebert to Plant Managers

 Wausau, Wis. (April 2004) – Paint and anodize finisher Linetec has promoted Paul Bratz to anodize plant manager and Bob Gebert to plastics and wood finishing plant manager.

Reporting to Linetec’s Vice President Of Operations Andy Joswiak, both Bratz and Gebert are trained as Six Sigma Black Belts and will help drive Linetec’s focus on continuous improvement, optimization and long-term growth, while striving to strengthen the company’s overall performance. Part of parent company Apogee Enterprise’s business-wide initiative, Six Sigma focuses on achieving better quality at a lower cost.

 Paul Bratz, Anodize Plant Manager

Bratz most recently served as Linetec’s quality assurance manager and Six Sigma Champion. In addition to his Six Sigma training, he holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and statistics with a minor in economics from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Also experienced in ISO 9000 certification and other quality management processes, Bratz is a member of the American Society for Quality and involved with the American Architectural Manufacturers Association.

“Paul has a unique skill set: He is analytical, customer focused and data driven to obtain results,” says Joswiak. “Under Paul's direction, our anodizing facility will become a premiere, customer-driven, quality-focused operation.”

 Bob Gebert, Plastics and Wood Finishing Plant Manager

Gebert continues his role as purchasing manager and adds the responsibilities of plant manager for the plastics and wood finishing facility. He previously has held supervisory roles managing operations, facilities and staff at Linetec and at Consolidated Papers. Gebert earned his bachelor’s degree from University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and pursued additional education in supervision, management and Six Sigma.

“Bob is well respected by his colleagues at Linetec and by the customers he serves.” Joswiak predicts, “In his new role, he will take our plastics and wood finishing operation to the next level of quality and performance."

Linetec is one of the nation's largest paint and anodize finishers, and the largest independent architectural finisher. With three finishing plants located in Wausau, Wis. the company offers more than 500,000-square-feet of capacity for finishing such products as aluminum windows, wall systems, doors, hardware and other architectural metal components, as well as automotive, marine and manufactured consumer goods.