Rich Bitterman Joins Watson Furniture Group as Plant Manager
Veteran leader specializes in lean manufacturing and productivity improvement
Poulsbo, WA – September 10, 2008

Watson Furniture Group is pleased to introduce Rich Bitterman as its new Plant Manager. With over 25 years of manufacturing leadership in a variety of industries, Bitterman brings a wealth of experience and influence to Watson.

In his most recent position as Plant Manager for Guardian Automotive of Upper Sandusky, Ohio, Bitterman worked to dramatically reduce company overhead, supervising 450 employees, and implementing Lean Manufacturing principles to eliminate waste and bolster production.

During his extensive, highly successful manufacturing experience in the automotive, metal working and plastics industries, similar stories of exemplary manufacturing leadership highlight Bitterman’s career, earning him a broad reputation for expertise in building or re-building dynamic, profitable industrial enterprises.

“We’re very excited to welcome Rich to our company.” Said Clif McKenzie, President of Watson Furniture Group. “Our manufacturing team is thriving, but hungry to reach the next level of performance. It’s going to be fun to watch our factory transition from very good to great.”

Rich Bitterman graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering; he began his professional career as a Field Engineer for the Signode Corporation of Glenview, Illinois.

Watson Furniture Group is a leading provider of European-inspired office furnishings and the world’s top supplier of console furniture for emergency communications and dispatch centers. The company’s 45-year heritage embodies unwavering commitment to quality manufacturing, customer service, and responsibility toward employees, neighbors, and the environment. Located in Poulsbo, WA, across the Puget Sound from Seattle, Watson operates a full manufacturing facility and has been nationally recognized by the US Government for its low-impact manufacturing, and sustainability measures.