Biomass Processing

Since 2016, David Hyer has served as the President and General Manager of Thayer Scale and is responsible for daily operations. In 2013, he rejoined the company after serving as the division manager of the circuit-board test and inspection business at Teradyne. His professional experience includes senior management positions in sales and business development at Teradyne and two venture capital-backed startups. His first position was with Thayer Scale in 1985 as a college student writing machine-level code for the PI-164 instrument. David has expertise in the design and manufacture of market-leading conveyor belt scales and gravimetric feeders. With an unyielding focus on product line specialization and quality, the company's portfolio of products and customized solutions are tailored to the unique requirements of its three key segments; Food, Energy & Building Products, and Chemical & Industrial. David holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Tufts University. He is married with three children and enjoys tennis, golf, and spending time on his boat.

Carrie Hartford is the Director of Business Development and Senior Project Engineer in Jenike & Johanson’s office in California. For nearly 2 decades, she has been solving challenging bulk material flow related problems around the world. Typical projects include the analysis and design of bins, hoppers, feeders, and transfer chutes. Previously, she opened and established an engineering office and laboratory facilities in Perth, Western Australia. Internationally she publishes and presents technical papers, participates in conferences, and presents numerous short courses in the field of bulk solids flow. Carrie has a Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara and an MBA from Azusa Pacific University in California. She is a licensed Professional Mechanical Engineer in the State of California.

Alex McCans is National Sales Manager for HammerTek Corporation, manufacturer of the innovative Smart Elbow Deflection Elbow. With over 10 years of experience in mechanical and pneumatic conveying of bulk solids, Alex leads the HammerTek sales team to solve conveying challenges for customers around the world. His expertise and dedication have helped establish HammerTek as a trusted leader in the industry.

John has been working as a Mechanical Engineer in Mixing & Sieving Technology for over 47 years, the last 6 at Kason and is currently in the role of Technical Sales Engineer. He handles all the technical aspects of providing the Regional Sales Managers with the quotations they require to sell the AMP/AHS range of equipment globally. He also assists the RSM’S with customer queries and final deal negotiations as well as liaising with the Engineering team to ensure a smooth transition between sales and GA approval. His vast knowledge means that he also offers and provides training where required on the AMP product range of equipment across the European Sales group.

Tim Porco is the the President of Erie Technical Systems Inc. He oversees the company's day-to-day operations, ensuring top-notch solutions for customer needs. He holds a Chemical Engineering degree from Case Western Reserve University and is an active member of the Flexible Intermediate Bulk Filling Association (FIBCA). With an extensive background in technical sales, product management, and sales management within the powder solids handling industry, Tim applies his diverse skills to develop economical solutions for clients. Tim is committed to listening carefully to customer requirements and translating them into effective applications of Erie Technical Systems equipment.

Chris Nawalaniec is President at Stedman Machine Company, the Aurora, Ind.-based manufacturer of size reduction equipment and systems, founded in 1834. Nawalaniec graduated from the University of Cincinnati (BSME, MBA) and has more than 30 years professional experience in size reduction and particle size separation.

Gerard van Schoten is Managing Director at HETHON, a globally active specialist in powder dosing systems. With a strong technical background and hands-on experience throughout the company, Gerard combines strategic leadership with deep process knowledge in dry bulk handling. He is widely regarded for his expertise in handling and dosing poorly flowing powders, particularly in industries requiring high precision and reliability under challenging conditions such as ATEX environments. Gerard works closely with international customers, engineers, and agents to translate complex process challenges into custom-engineered, long-term solutions. Having grown within the company from a technical role into leadership, Gerard brings a unique combination of technical credibility and commercial insight. He remains actively involved in advising on system configurations, control integration, and customer-specific adaptations—ensuring that every solution HETHON delivers is both technically sound and practically applicable. Gerard regularly supports agents and customers worldwide and is a trusted point of contact for clients seeking high-performance dosing technology for demanding industrial applications.

Emre Ergun is the Head of Sales of IEP Technologies Europe. He brings over 24 years of experience in the industrial explosion protection and prevention field, specializing in explosion suppression & isolation systems, venting (including flameless venting), and spark detection & extinguishment solutions. He is also experienced on dust explosibility testing methods, applications and relevant standards. He holds BS Chemical Engineering from Middle East Technical University, Ankara, MS Engineering Management from Northeastern University Graduate School of Engineering, Boston MA and MBA from Babson College, F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business, Wellesley MA USA. Mr. Ergun is a certified safety auditor (CSA) by the National Association of Safety Professionals, NASP.

More than 35 years' experience in development and realisation projects as a project manager for feed, aqua feed and petfood. Working at Dinnissen for 25 years as account manager in feed, aqua feed and petfood division. Specialist in developing major projects with added value focussing on pneumatic conveying, mixing, drying, grinding and coating with liquid and powder systems.