CHARLOTTE, Mich. — Spartan Motors, Inc. today announced the promotion of Arthur Ickes to President of the Specialty Chassis and Vehicles (“SCV”) Business Unit, which includes responsibility for the RV Chassis portfolio, Specialty Vehicles, Defense and Government as well as Aftermarket Parts and Assemblies.
While this appointment is effective June 3, Mr. Ickes will expand his new responsibilities during the third quarter, while gradually transitioning out of his current role, which includes important near-term projects, such as completing the relocation of the Utilimaster operations to Bristol, Ind. from Wakarusa, Ind. Mr. Ickes will report to John Sztykiel, President and CEO of Spartan Motors. Eric West, General Manager of the RV business at Spartan Chassis, will report to Mr. Ickes.
The appointment of Mr. Ickes to lead SCV demonstrates clear commitment on the part of Spartan Motors to the RV industry and business. Mr. Ickes’s experience, capabilities and skill set represent a marked improvement to the depth of SCV leadership talent. Not only does Mr. Ickes have significant commercial and business development leadership experience, he also is an operations subject matter expert.
“We remain very encouraged by the overall market opportunity in the RV industry and the recent growth we have realized over the last two years,” John Sztykiel, President and CEO of Spartan Motors, said. “Arthur’s leadership skills will provide an excellent opportunity for us to expand the scope of our business with the existing OEM partners in the RV industry.”
Mr. Ickes joined Spartan Motors as Executive Director of Operations in 2005 and more recently as Senior Vice President of Operations since 2007. With the Company, Mr. Ickes fulfilled a leadership role which modernized the Company’s manufacturing practices and has implemented lean processes. During his tenure as the head of all operations at Spartan Motors, the Company has achieved continuous improvement of key manufacturing metrics and in many cases has developed world-class performance within the Specialty Vehicle industry.
Mr. Ickes also has a successful track record of improving profitability, productivity, quality and customer satisfaction in positions throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia. Mr. Ickes has earned a master of science in management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Kettering University.
Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Ickes was the Director of Launch Management for Plastech Engineered Products, Inc., a manufacturer of precision injection molded components for the automotive industry. Earlier in his career, Mr. Ickes worked for Delphi Corporation and was promoted to a number of manufacturing managerial positions during his 15-year tenure. As a Manufacturing Manager at Delphi, he was instrumental in turning a substantial loss into a healthy profit in two and a half years by installing lean manufacturing techniques.
About Spartan Chassis, Inc.
Spartan Chassis, Inc. is a world-class leader in the engineering, manufacturing and marketing of chassis and aftermarket parts for emergency-response, recreational vehicle (RV), defense and specialty vehicles. End users recognize and request the Spartan Chassis brand, which consistently delivers superior performance, exceptional safety ratings and innovations which distinguish us from the competition. Visit Spartan Chassis atwww.spartanchassis.com.
About Spartan Motors
Spartan Motors, Inc., designs, engineers and manufactures specialty chassis, specialty vehicles, truck bodies and aftermarket parts for the recreational vehicle, emergency response, government services and defense, delivery and service markets.
