Waupaca Foundry names new CEO

Waupaca Foundry named Michael Hawthorne as Chief Executive Officer. He succeeds Mike Nikolai, who left the company after nine years as CEO and three decades of service to the Wisconsin-based company.

Mike Hawthorne (Photo: Waupaca Foundry)

“We’re excited to welcome Mike Hawthorne to the Waupaca Foundry family,” said Daniel Collin, chairman of Waupaca Foundry. “He brings over 30 years of industry experience and understands the roles that engineering, design, system integration and operational excellence play in achieving breakthrough results. He will build on the strong foundation that Mike Nikolai has left here.”

As CEO, Hawthorne will be expected to focus on driving operational efficiency, enhancing innovation, and furthering the company’s relationships with customers and stakeholders.

“I am honored to join Waupaca Foundry and look forward to working with the talented team to build upon the company’s strong foundation,” said Hawthorne. “Waupaca Foundry has a long-standing reputation for delivering high-quality products, and I am excited to lead the company to its next growth phase.”

Hawthorne’s previous experience includes serving as President of Specialty Manufacturing Group for JB Poindexter & Co., President and CEO of Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC, and President and CEO of New York Air Brake LLC.

Waupaca Foundry operates three Wisconsin-based foundries in Waupaca and Marinette and another in Tell City, Ind. The company also has a machining center and is headquartered in Waupaca, Wis.