Gatto Industrial Platers, Inc., a high-production metal finishing company specializing in zinc plating, zinc-nickel plating, and aluminum chromate, has hired Darron Kirkman to be the company’s transportation manager. In this new position, Kirkman will supervise Gatto’s logistics operations, including both in-plant forklift drivers and delivery truck drivers, and will assume total responsibility for Gatto’s customer service department.

“We are pleased to have Darron in this new position,” says George Gatto Jr., one of the owners of the family business. “His management experience and communication skills will be extremely valuable in reshaping our existing logistics and customer service teams. Since joining us in November, he has already made valuable improvements to our shipping procedures.”

Kirkman was previously employed as a branch manager by W.W. Grainger, Inc. His main objectives at Gatto will be to reduce the company’s response time to customers by being immediately available to answer inquiries, and to draw on his management experience to suggest improvements to both Gatto’s shipping operations and customer service.

“I am pleased to be associated with Gatto,” Kirkman said. “From our first meeting, I felt comfortable with the family-owned company’s philosophy and felt that I could contribute to the continued growth of the operation.”

Kirkman is a Chicago native, and formerly played professional football with the Oakland Raiders.