Webb Wheel OEM Business Unit Adds Industry Veterans

The OEM Business Unit of Webb Wheel Products has expanded their sales organization with the addition of two industry veterans.  Chad Plank has accepted the role as executive vice president sales and marketing and Jim LeClaire joins the company as account executive – fleet accounts.  Webb is implementing a direct fleet sales program to complement their traditional OEM business.  The company has been supplying U.S. manufactured wheel-end components to the heavy duty truck and trailer industry for more than six decades. 

Plank comes to the Webb OEM Business Unit after spending seven years within the Marmon Group of Companies of which Webb is a part.  Most recently he held the position of General Manager of Perfection Clutch, a leading producer of automotive, medium-duty and heavy duty clutches, flywheels and clutch hydraulics.  During his tenure at Perfection, Plank was a member of the management team responsible for implementing a new business structure with the business increasing sales three-fold. Plank also worked for the Webb Wheel Aftermarket Business in financial and operation positions.  Prior to his time with the Marmon Group, he held a financial executive position with Rexam Beverage Can Company.  In his new role, Plank will lead the company’s sales effort at the OE level as well as directing the implementation of a direct fleet initiative.  Plank graduated from Bowling Green State University in Ohio and completed his MBA at the University of Mobile (Alabama). 

LeClaire is a long-time active member the Technology and Maintenance Council (TMC) of the American Trucking Association. In his new position with Webb, he will represent the company at the fleet level with an emphasis on building a strong relationship between heavy vehicle operators and the company.  Prior to joining Webb, LeClaire spent more than sixteen years with Horton, Inc. most recently as their western regional sales manager.  During his career with Horton he held various positions including national accounts sales manager, warranty manager and field service director.  LeClaire has been a member of TMC since 1994 currently leading the council’s mentoring program for new members.  A recipient of the Silver Spark Plug, Recognized Associate and Gerry Murphy Membership awards he has chaired task forces, organized technical sessions, participated as a panelist during industry discussions and appeared on the council’s SiriusXM broadcast, “Tech Talk with TMC”. 

Kent Finkbiner, president of Webb Wheel OEM Business Unit emphasized the experience being brought to Webb “both Chad and Jim have the vital experience necessary to help us better serve our customers both at the manufacturer and at the fleet operations level.  Chad’s time with our aftermarket business gives him an excellent understanding of our products and the requirements of the end user. This experience, along with his strong organizational and management skills, will be important to us as we grow.  Jim is well respected in the industry and has built important relationships within the fleet universe; we will rely on him to help us develop a strong presence for Webb directly with vehicle operators.”