Mineral Processing

Ron has worked for Coperion K-Tron in a variety of roles for over 20 years. Ron earned his BS in Computer and Electrical Engineering with a minor in Computer Science from Rowan University and a MBA from Drexel University. He has worked in field service, project engineering, internal sales, as a regional sales manager working with world class sales representatives, business development manager and Senior Manager – Americas Sales for a variety of products including feeding, pneumatic conveying systems, components such as rotary valves and diverters and packaging.

Russell Grotto serves as the Director of Operations for the Toll Processing sector of Elcan Industries’ sieving business. He graduated from Union College with a BA in Managerial Economics. His father, Bob Grotto, is the founder of Elcan Industries and served on the board of PEMA for over a decade. Russ works closely with customers to help them develop catered sieving solutions to their specific products and needs. Before becoming the Director of Operations, Russ served as an operator in the toll processing plant and has hands on experience running screening machines. Russ also works closely with the manufacturers of the sieving equipment Elcan sells and was an integral part in bringing their newest line of equipment, the Hi-Sifter, to the US market place.

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.

As the International Sales Director at RETTAR, Helen is on a mission to make bulk storage “Transparent & Safe” worldwide. She understands that traditional sensors often fail to capture the true picture of material inventory, which is why she specializes in advanced 3D volumetric modeling. Whether managing mining stockyards or grain silos, Helen helps clients move beyond simple level measurement to achieve 98% volume accuracy. Her goal is to eliminate the need for hazardous manual climbing. With her solutions, you can visualize the exact shape of your material and master your inventory data in real-time, ensuring both operational safety and precision.

Design Engineer, Project Manager, Territory and Sales Manager with 40+ years of experience in capture at source designs, sales and installation projects for high and low vacuum and dust collection and filtration systems and explosion and fire mitigation in dust collection systems.

David Hyer has led Thayer Scale as President and General Manager since 2016, overseeing all aspects of daily operations and long-term strategic direction. He originally joined the company in 1985 as a college student writing machine-level code for the PI-164 instrument, returning in 2013 after a successful career in senior leadership at Teradyne and two venture-backed technology ventures. Prior to rejoining Thayer Scale, David served as Division Manager for Teradyne’s circuit-board test and inspection business, where he was responsible for P&L and led global sales, engineering, and service teams. His broader background includes senior roles in sales, business development, and product strategy across high-growth technology companies. David brings deep expertise in the design and manufacture of precision conveyor belt scales and gravimetric feeders. Under his leadership, Thayer Scale has strengthened its focus on product specialization, engineering excellence, and rigorous quality, delivering solutions tailored to the demanding needs of the Food, Energy & Building Products, and Chemical & Industrial markets. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Tufts University. David and his wife have three children, and he enjoys tennis, golf, and spending time on the water.

Adrian is currently the President of MoistTech Corp and has been with MoistTech Corp. since 2010 starting as the Sales Manager. Bringing to the company many years of experience and expertise in multiple industrial moisture applications, Mr. Fordham has vast knowledge in Near-Infrared moisture sensing and detection technology.

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.

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.

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.

Malcolm has an extensive background as a Mechanical Engineer in Material Handling and Sieving Technology and has been working on Vibratory Sifter Technology for well over 40 years, with the last 21 years at Kason Europe. Malcolm currently holds 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.

Robert brings over 25 years of experience for bulk material handling and material processing equipment to Material Transfer. At MTS, he is responsible to fostering new business opportunities while nurturing account relationships. His depth of experience and industry knowledge allows our Team to meet the growing needs of our customers as we continue to provide the highest quality systems to the marketplace.

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.

Chuck Johnson is the director of sales at National Bulk Equipment, located in Holland, Michigan. His professional experience includes over 25 years in the design, engineering, & sales of bulk material handling equipment & systems. Johnson holds a BS in mechanical engineering from Michigan State University.

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.

Gareth Meese works as Regional Sales Director – EMEA (Europe, the Middle East, India, and Northern Africa) for Eriez-Europe, a global leader in several key technology areas, including magnetic separation, metal detection, and material handling equipment. With nearly 20 years of experience in continuously-evolving positions, Gareth is well versed in bulk material handling applications. When Gareth joined Eriez as an Export Sales Engineer, he led several Eriez teams tasked with expanding business throughout Scandinavia, the Baltic States, and the Czech Republic. Later, as Export Sales Manager, he concentrated on growing Eriez-Europe in Russia, Europe and Northern Africa. His recent promotion expands his geographic responsibilities further with the addition of the Middle East and India. Gareth has been instrumental in pursuing Eriez’ vision and holds a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Cardiff University. Gareth is more than prepared to discuss and recommend a tailored solution for any unique bulk material handling application.

Travis has over 20 years of experience in the dry bulk solids industry and is the President at Vortex, an engineering and manufacturing company that specialises in process valves and loading solutions specifically for solids handling. Travis has worked on solution-driven installations across six continents and has a strong knowledge of market-specific regulations and requirements within the industry.

Tim Llewellyn is the Global Director of Sales at Flexicon Corporation, a world leader in the design and manufacture of bulk handling equipment and custom-engineered systems. He has over 20 years of experience managing and delivering complex global projects within the bulk material handling industry, including expertise across multiple sectors, including food, chemical, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and plastics. Tim has a proven track record of building and managing teams focused on helping clients solve their powder handling challenges. Tim holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Lehigh University.

Sylvain Bellamy is currently the Commercial Director for Powder Process and Technology at Tetra Pak, based in France. With over 25 years of specialized experience in powder processing, handling, and packing, Sylvain has held various roles across the Americas and Europe, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of the global market. Sylvain's robust background in the food processing industry has sharpened his powder expertise during his years at Tetra Pak, where he contributed to developing innovative powder processing solutions. He leverages his extensive experience to drive strategic growth and operational excellence, always ensuring the delivery of cutting-edge technology and solutions that bring innovations to the market. Contact: Sylvain.Bellamy@tetrapak.com

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.