Lippert Components promotes Rob Ford to Chief Technology Officer
Elkhart, Ind. — Lippert Components, Inc. (LCI®) announces today that it has promoted Rob Ford to Chief Technology Officer for LCI Technologies. In his new role, Ford will primarily focus his efforts on driving technological integrations throughout the product development process, across all of LCI’s product lines.
“I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to be an integral part in such an important initiative for LCI as we continue to transform ourselves from a traditional manufacturer into a technology-driven solution provider,” stated Ford.
“Technology offers us the possibility to transform and enhance all aspects of our products, processes, customer relationships, and consumer experiences. I have never been more excited about the direction we are going and the power we have to create products and solutions that will make a real difference. The teams, talent, leadership, and vision throughout LCI, with regards to the importance of technology, provide a solid platform for explosive creativity, innovation, and product development,” Ford concluded.
“Having known Rob for many years, and seeing his entrepreneurial spirit and knowledge around all things technology firsthand, I’m excited to see him take on this new role within LCI. His extensive knowledge of technology, coupled with his experience in the RV and automotive industries, make him the logical choice for this role,” said Jason Lippert, LCI’s President & CEO. “With Rob’s leadership, we are now better positioned to take a more strategic look at how to innovate and transform our hundreds of products through the integration of smart technology into these product lines whenever possible. This will be critical to the evolution of all LCI products in the future as well as the value that we create for all our customers, from OEMs, to dealers, to the retail customers.”
“We are excited to have Rob lead the product technology initiative for LCI. His ability to build great teams, which have created significant products and digital platforms for LCI, will be instrumental to our vision and growth,” stated Jamie Schnur, Group President of Aftermarket for LCI. Continued Schnur, “LCI acquired Rob’s former company, Innovative Design Solutions, Inc., in 2015, knowing the importance technology would play in the majority of our product lines. If you look at these product lines today, whether it be leveling, slide-outs, or our OneControl® smart RV technology, Rob’s team has had a hand in making these the industry-leading products they are today.”
Ford has been deeply involved in numerous facets of technology for over 25 years. In 1997, he founded Innovative Design Solutions, Inc. (IDS), a Sterling Heights, Michigan-based designer, developer, and manufacturer of electronic systems encompassing a wide variety of RV applications as well as electronic systems for automotive, medical, and industrial applications. Now operating under the name LCI Technologies, the business has expanded its roles and capabilities far beyond a supplier of control systems to a leading innovator of cutting-edge technologies for smart RV systems and components.
“It’s paramount that we continue to integrate advanced technology into our product offerings. Rob’s experience within a wide variety of industries makes him the perfect person to lead these efforts as we move forward,” said Ryan Smith, LCI’s Senior Vice President of Sales & Operations.
About LCI Industries ®
From over 90 manufacturing and distribution facilities located throughout North America and Europe, LCI Industries, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, LCI, supplies, domestically and internationally, a broad array of highly engineered components for the leading OEMs in the recreation and transportation product markets, consisting primarily of recreational vehicles and adjacent industries, including buses; trailers used to haul boats, livestock, equipment, and other cargo; trucks; boats; trains; manufactured homes; and modular housing. The Company also supplies engineered components to the related aftermarkets of these industries primarily by selling to retail dealers, wholesale distributors, and service centers. LCI's products include steel chassis and related components; axles and suspension solutions; slide-out mechanisms and solutions; thermoformed bath, kitchen, and other products; vinyl, aluminum, and frameless windows; manual, electric, and hydraulic stabilizer and leveling systems; entry, luggage, patio, and ramp doors; furniture and mattresses; electric and manual entry steps; awnings and awning accessories; towing products; truck accessories; electronic components; and other accessories. Additional information about LCI and its products can be found at LCI1.com.
Lippert Components, Inc.
3501 County Road 6 East
Elkhart, IN 46514
Email: marcom@lci1.com