Hover-Davis establishing direct products division - Co-founder John Hover to retire

Hover-Davis Inc. is establishing the Direct Products Division to provide feeding products and services to all of Hover-Davis' OEM partners and direct customers alike.

The Direct Products Division of Hover-Davis will be led by Roland Heitmann, with the clear objective of further strengthening its global market position as "The Feeder Company".  The Direct Products Division will be sharply focused on the development, manufacturing, marketing and support of intelligent tape, label, tray, and direct die feeders for the broadest possible range of electronic assembly platforms. The charter of this division will be to continue to provide best-in-class products and services to directly support the needs of end users, while expanding OEM partnerships. "The separation of this activity from our Universal OEM business will provide the necessary focus, autonomy and integrity to allow Hover-Davis to maximize its' potential in the general and specialty feeder market segment", stated Direct Products Division General Manager, Roland Heitmann.

A catalyst for this corporate realignment is John Hover's decision to retire from Hover-Davis. "We are saddened that John has decided to transition out of the business," said Roland Heitmann, "however, we wish him a healthy and happy retirement, and are glad he will now be able to enjoy his numerous outside interests. He will remain close for support and guidance, as we continue to build upon his accomplishments. John has truly made a major contribution to our industry, and has had a strong positive influence on all of us."