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| 8-K - 8-K - AXION INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, INC. | v198075_8k.htm |
Exhibit
99.1
FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
AXION
INTERNATIONAL APPOINTS STEVEN L. SILVERMAN AS NEW PRESIDENT AND CHIEF OPERATING
OFFICER
Veteran
Sales, Operational Management and Business Development executive will lead
company’s growth and integration into diverse markets
NEW
PROVIDENCE, N.J. TBD – Axion International (OTCBB: AXIH) producer of
the world’s strongest recycled, composite plastic industrial building products,
announced today that Steven L. Silverman has been appointed President and Chief
Operating Officer. Silverman will join Axion after more than a dozen years at
Archbrook Laguna, LLC, a private $1 billion supply chain services provider where
he most recently served as Executive Vice President.
“I am
extremely proud and excited to announce that Steve is joining Axion as our new
President and Chief Operating Officer,” stated Jim Kerstein, Axion CEO. “Steve’s
organizational management and decision-making experience for high-growth
environments offers Axion an exceptionally talented individual. I have absolute
confidence that Steve is the executive to help fulfill our strategic goals of
positioning Axion as a major building supply company, leading the way with
green-tech solutions for use in domestic as well as international infrastructure
development.”
In his
most recent position, Silverman was a major contributor to a five-fold increase
in revenues at Archbrook Laguna. He led the company’s diversification strategy,
formed unique joint ventures with international companies, and held a key role
in the company’s organizational restructuring and long-term strategic
development. As VP of Operations and Business Development prior to becoming EVP,
Silverman was credited with developing their operational infrastructure and
scalable platform, managed the implementation of that platform and marketing
strategy, and led the company’s transformation into new business channels. He
also led the merger team that integrated BDI and Laguna into one
company.
“Joining
Axion, an expanding organization, that has an enormous opportunity to transform
the construction and infrastructure industries with its proven unique products
is an opportunity I value,” stated Silverman. “I’m so eager to get started and
look forward to working with the team already assembled and building upon their
strengths. The company has achieved incredible accomplishments and established
valuable relationships with highly respected partners. I plan to accelerate that
activity and add more formidable partnerships in the rail, roads and bridges,
Military and marine industry segments.”
Prior to
joining Archbrook Laguna in 1997, Silverman worked with such companies as
Campbell Soup Company, where as Director of Global Accounts he established and
directed cross-functional teams from Sales, Marketing, R&D, Operations and
Finance. He also played a key role in divisional acquisition evaluation. For a
brief period Silverman founded and managed Premier Marketing Services, LLC.
Before that he was at Sara Lee Bakery and Ernest & Julio Gallo Winery mostly
in sales and marketing. Silverman is a graduate of Widener University and holds
a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Silverman is also known in his
home state of New Jersey as one of the founders of The Bergen County Charity
Baseball Classic, which over the last seven Memorial Days has raised more than
$200,000 for local children’s charities and promotes good values and strength of
character to its 8 – 14 year old participants.
Kerstein
added, “I’d like to thank our interim President, Miles Slater, who provided
exceptional leadership and guidance during one of the most critical stages in
our company’s growth. I look forward to Miles continuing his role as a valuable
advisor, confidante and guiding force as a key member of our Board of
Directors.”
Developed
in conjunction with Rutgers University’s Materials Sciences and Engineering
Department, Axion’s Recycled Structural Composite (RSC) is inert and contains no
toxic materials. It is impervious to insect infestation, will never leach toxic
chemicals nor warp. Because it is lighter than traditional materials,
transporting RSC is less expensive and reduces energy costs. In addition, RSC is
completely recyclable at the end of its functional life.
About
Axion International
Axion
International is a leading structural solution provider of cost-effective
alternative infrastructure and building products. The Company’s "green"
proprietary technologies allow for the development and manufacture of innovative
structural products made from 100% recycled consumer and industrial plastics.
Axion's up-cycled products are an economic and sustainable alternative to
traditional building materials such as wood, steel or concrete. Developed in
collaboration with scientists at Rutgers University, Axion's patented
technologies allow for products that are extremely strong, durable, flexible in
design, and low maintenance. For additional information, please visit Axion’s
corporate website: www.axionintl.com
Corporate
Relations
Jason
Baum
908-542-0888
jbaum@axionintl.com
Media
Relations
Sean
Mahoney
310-867-0670