Nortech Systems’ CEO Rich Wasielewski Announces His Retirement
Board of Directors to Conduct National Search for New CEO
MINNEAPOLIS – Rich Wasielewski, president and CEO of Nortech Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: NSYS), today announced he will be retiring. Nortech Systems’ board of directors has retained an executive recruitment firm to assist in its national search to identify Wasielewski’s replacement. He will continue to lead the company during the search and subsequent transition period.
“Rich has been, and continues to be, an invaluable contributor to Nortech’s growth and evolution,” said David Kunin, Nortech Systems’ chairman of the board. “The vision he developed and spearheaded includes a global solutions footprint, expanded medical-market presence, enhanced value-added services and an innovative R&D culture.
“We are grateful for Rich’s ongoing leadership and this orderly transition will benefit our company, employees, customers, shareholders and other stakeholders,” added Kunin. “This is one of the board’s most significant responsibilities and a top priority for management.”
“This succession plan has been discussed with the board for some time,” said Wasielewski. “The timing is right for me – and for Nortech – to make this transition. We have a strong track record of accomplishment and many opportunities on the horizon. Leading Nortech has been the highlight of my professional life and it’s one of my greatest responsibilities to help find and support a successor who values our people, who understands our customers and who can help guide Nortech into its next chapter of success.”
Wasielewski has served as Nortech’s president and chief executive officer since 2014. He joined the company in 2004 as vice president and chief financial officer; he advanced to senior vice president and CFO in 2008; he added the defense operations to his responsibilities in 2011 before being named president and chief operating officer in 2013.
During Wasielewski’s tenure, the company made several strategic investments and acquisitions, broadened its customer base and strengthened its international and domestic capabilities. In the U.S., the 2015 investment in Devicix’s medical device engineering expanded Nortech’s innovative design solutions and comprehensive product development capabilities.
In Mexico, printed circuit board technology was added to Nortech’s custom cable services in 2014, providing increased value-added and box-build opportunities; plans are underway to relocate to a new, larger facility by the end of this year. In 2016, Nortech opened a greenfield facility in Suzhou, China, to serve existing global customers and reach new, fast-growing regional markets in Asia.
About Nortech Systems Incorporated
Nortech Systems (www.nortechsys.com), based in Maple Grove, Minn., is a full-service electronics manufacturing services (EMS) provider of complex interconnect solutions, printed circuit board assemblies and diagnostic repair and integration services including higher-level assemblies and box builds for a wide range of industries. Markets served include industrial and commercial equipment, medical device, and aerospace & defense. Nortech has a range of specialized, high-tech facilities in the U.S., Latin America and Asia used for customized design, manufacture, testing and repair of its solutions. Nortech Systems is traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol NSYS.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. While this release is based on management’s best judgment and current expectations, actual results may differ and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements include, without limitation: volatility in market conditions which may affect market supply of and demand for the company’s products; increased competition; changes in the reliability and efficiency of operating facilities or those of third parties; risks related to availability of labor; commodity and energy cost instability; general economic, financial and business conditions that could affect the company’s financial condition and results of operations; as well as risk factors listed from time to time in the company’s filings with the SEC.