Methods Machine Tools Welcomes Richard Alton as Chief Executive Officer

Methods Machine Tools Welcomes Richard Alton as Chief Executive Officer
New CEO arrives to extend Methods’ continued national growth

SUDBURY, Mass., August 8, 2023 — Methods Machine Tools, Inc., North America’s foremost supplier of leading-edge precision machine tools and automation solutions, announces that its Board of Directors has appointed Mr. Richard “Rick” Alton as its Chief Executive Officer effective immediately. Mr. Alton will assume responsibility of all operating functions of Methods Machine Tools, Inc. across its nine direct offices throughout the United States, as well as its national distribution network.

“Rick is a long-time sales executive and general manager with a track record leading profitable growth in industrial capital equipment businesses in the US and abroad,” said Scott McIver, Methods’ owner and chairman. “His history of successfully leading high-performing sales, service, and product management organizations arrives at the right time to accelerate our ambitious growth plans.”

Since 2017, Alton served as CEO of Manitou Americas and President of the Compact Equipment Products Division, overseeing the company’s $400 million business of manufactured construction and material handling equipment. Prior to Manitou, Alton spent 19 years at JLG Industries, an Oshkosh Corporation company, including 15 years in sales and sales management in which he helped grow the company’s $1 billion international business. Additionally, he helped develop, and later served as general manager of, JLG’s strategic alliance with Caterpillar.

“I am thrilled to be taking the helm at Methods and working with a talented and dedicated team,” said Alton. “The history of the company has long focused on premium machines tools, industry-leading automation and engineering, and exceptional customer support.”

“There are significant opportunities to grow our machine tools business across North America, while broadening the capabilities of automation and product lifecycle management. Most importantly, we commit every day to ensuring our customers stay at the forefront of new, innovative, and more productive manufacturing processes. I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and getting to know our team and our customers and building a bright future together.”

About Methods Machine Tools

Methods Machine Tools, Inc. supplies high-quality, high-precision machine tools, automation solutions, and designs integrated custom machining processes and systems. Headquartered in Sudbury, Mass., and in operation since 1958 with nine technical centers and a one-of-a-kind Precision Center, Methods has installed more than 45,000 machine tools throughout North America. For more information, call 877-668-4262 or visit www.methodsmachine.com.

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Media contact:
Jon Star
Director – Marketing
Methods Machine Tools
jstar@methodsmachine.com