The National Association of Manufacturers board of directors on September 28 unanimously approved the nomination of Charles E. (Chuck) Bunch, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Pittsburgh-based PPG Industries, Inc., to become NAM chairman for the 2007-2008 term commencing January 1, 2007. PPG is a global supplier of coatings, chemicals, optical products glass and fiber glass, with 110 manufacturing facilities and equity affiliates in more than 20 countries. Sales were $10.2 billion in 2005.
Bunch has served as vice chairman to NAM chairman John Luke, chairman and chief executive officer of MeadWestvaco Corporation since October 1, 2005. Luke was the first NAM chairman to serve a two year term under a new protocol adopted by the business group to have chairmanships coincide with Congressional terms. Bunch’s term will run from January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2008.
Bunch joined PPG in 1979 and held a series of management positions before being named general manager of architectural coatings in 1992. He was made vice president of that unit in 1994, and vice president, fiber glass, in 1995. Bunch was elected senior vice president of strategic planning and corporate services in 1997, and executive vice president, coatings, in 2000. In July 2002, Bunch was named president, chief operating officer and board member, becoming chief executive officer in March 2005, and taking his current post in July 2005.
As chairman of the NAM, Bunch will focus on reducing the costs of manufacturing in the U.S., particularly with regard to reducing energy prices, taxes, and litigation, and working for a solution to the asbestos crisis. He is also extremely concerned about the need to invest more resources in the nation’s transportation infrastructure – highways, bridges, railroads and airport facilities – and the growing skills shortage in manufacturing that threatens to get even worse as the Baby Boom generation begins to retire in the next few years.
“The NAM is indeed fortunate to have a leader of Chuck Bunch’s stature as chairman,” said NAM president John Engler. “Chuck is well-known throughout the business community as an inspired manager and visionary leader. We all look forward to his chairmanship.”
The NAM board also confirmed Michael E. Campbell, chairman, president and CEO of Arch Chemicals Inc., of Norwalk, Conn., to serve as NAM vice chairman. Campbell will serve as vice chairman during Bunch’s chairmanship, after which he will succeed Bunch for a two-year term as chairman.
Arch Chemicals is a global biocides company with $1.3 billion in annual sales. Campbell has led the company since its inception in 1999, guiding it through a period of significant change that has strengthened the company’s market leadership positions, increased its operational efficiency and enhanced its reputation as an innovative supplier.
During the 1990s, Campbell served as president of Olin Microelectronic Materials. Under his leadership, the division posted record sales and earnings. Prior to the creation of Arch Chemicals, he served as executive vice president of Olin Corporation overseeing all businesses. He has served as chairman of the board of directors of the American Chemistry Council, and is currently serving on the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations.
“With Chuck Bunch and Mike Campbell as chairman and vice chairman, the NAM can look forward to a long period of strong leadership and increasing influence,” said Engler. “Manufacturing is entering a crucial phase, and we will need the full measure of their experience and wisdom. All of us at the NAM look forward to working with them.”
The National Association of Manufacturers is the nation’s largest industrial trade association, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states.
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