The Engines Division of Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. has promoted Nelson Wilner to the position of vice president. He joined Kawasaki last year as the division’s executive director and his expanded responsibilities will include oversight for all operations of the division with the exception of the research and development group.
Fumihiro (Clint) Ohno, senior vice president and general manager, said “Nelson’s contributions over the past year are apparent. His ability to grasp complex OEM business functions, dealer infrastructure demands, and the technological platforms Kawasaki is involved with have warranted this promotion.”
Prior to joining Kawasaki, Wilner had gathered extensive experience in the marine and recreational vehicle industries, serving with manufacturers of hydraulic, diesel-powered generators and harsh-environment electrical products. He has a broad work history in both consumer and business-to-business activities.
Wilner will have comprehensive responsibilities for OEM and dealer sales, marketing, technical services, quality, logistics, product development and pricing, finance, and customer service.
The division has been increasing interactive communications among most of its working units over the past year. The recent dedication of its renovated Grand Rapids headquarters featured a completely remodeled structure incorporating a new R&D facility, recently transplanted from its former location at the engine manufacturing plant in Maryville, Mo.
“Our continued efforts to bring our team closer together and enhance communications have benefitted all of our customers and our staff operations,” said Wilner. “The ease of accessibility to all team members promotes unplanned discussions which often lead to new ideas and ultimately to solutions—small and large—that support our long-term growth objectives,” he said.
Kawasaki Engines, a division of Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., distributes gasoline engines for landscape, industrial, and consumer markets. The division is headquartered in Grand Rapids, Mich. It sells to and services customers through a network of more than 40 OEMs, 15 distributors, and more than 7,500 independent dealers throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, select countries in Central and South America, and the U.S. Trust Territories of the Pacific, including Guam.
