Autoquip Announces the Hiring of New Director of Operations, Leonard Sweet

Autoquip Corporation is pleased to announce that Leonard Sweet joined the company on February 13, 2024, as Director of Operations. The company carefully pursued an exhaustive search to identify the ideal individual to lead the operational initiatives aimed at enhancing safety, quality, schedule adherence, and cost management. Leonard, a manufacturing veteran with over thirty years of experience, most recently held the position of Senior Regional Manager, Manufacturing Engineering for The Toro Company, Perry, Oklahoma.

Leonard earned his BSMET in 1991 from Oklahoma State University and most recently earned his MBA from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 2022. He began his career with Rockwell International as a manufacturing engineer upon graduating from Oklahoma State University, and in 1993 he joined Charles Machine Works (Ditch Witch) holding several positions of increasing responsibility with Ditch Witch including manufacturing engineer, design engineer, design team manager, project manager, manufacturing/industrial engineering manager, and technical service director. Leonard’s extensive technical and operational expertise will be essential for Autoquip to enhance production at all levels, implement future initiatives, and nurture our relationships with all our material suppliers.

“Leonard’s steadfast leadership and unparalleled industry experience will be instrumental in enhancing the company’s operations, quality, reliability, and safety. We eagerly anticipate Leonard’s contributions and guidance across pivotal initiatives, particularly in our endeavor to become the easiest company to do business with,” said Chris Kuehni, President of Autoquip. “The experience Leonard has in low volume high mix manufacturing and new product development is another major plus for Autoquip, as Autoquip is well known for specialized, highly engineered equipment,” further stated Kuehni.

“I am honored to join Autoquip and look forward to helping the company prepare for future growth and new product introductions,” commented Mr. Sweet. “I believe my work in manufacturing operations, engineering, and technical services will lend itself well to this organization. I can already tell that Autoquip is a special company. Every interaction I have had so far has been a positive one. I am looking forward to being part of the team and helping move operations forward to prepare the site to meet the challenges of the next 75 years.”

Autoquip established in 1947 celebrated their 75th business anniversary in October 2022.