FARMINGTON HILLS, MI - Andrew Outcalt, president of Meyer Products and Swenson Spreader (Cleveland), was installed as the 45^th President of the National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) at The Work Truck Show 2009, held in Chicago.

Outcalt accepted the gavel from immediate Past President Dennis Jones, vice president of sales & marketing for Auto Truck Group (Bensenville, Ill.), at the President's Breakfast & NTEA Annual Meeting. The association's annual meeting is held in conjunction with The Work Truck Show, North America's largest work truck event.

Outcalt began his outdoor products career with MTD, the leading manufacturer and distributor in the outdoor power equipment industry. Throughout his 16-year tenure with MTD, he was instrumental in growing MTD's business both domestically and internationally. His vision and foresight in industry marketing and sales led to numerous new product launches, including "0-Turn" residential tractors and mulching mowers. To his credit, Outcalt was instrumental in expanding MTD's name brands, now considered staples in the industry: Yard-Man, Troy Bilt, White Outdoor, and Cub Cadet.

In 1996, as global markets expanded, MTD focused on their extensive European network. Outcalt was promoted and moved to Europe, where he served three years as Managing Director (MTD Europe) with the responsibility of "starting-up" manufacturing and distribution operations in Europe. Upon completion of his overseas assignment, Outcalt returned to the United States as Senior Vice President of MTD to manage their premier operating division, Cub Cadet.

In 2003, Outcalt became executive vice president of The Louis Berkman Winter Products Company and, in 2006, was named president of The Louis Berkman Work Products Company to oversee subsidiaries Meyer Products and Swenson Spreader.

A graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University, Outcalt has served on the board of directors for MTD's international subsidiaries. In addition, he has been the keynote speaker at the Outdoor Power Equipment Engine Service Association's annual meeting and at numerous North American Equipment Dealers Association national and regional events.

When asked about his newest undertaking with the NTEA, Outcalt replied, "I am very excited about this opportunity. I embrace the challenge, and I look forward to serving the NTEA's membership during these unprecedented economic times. My goal will be to enhance the Association's current programs and develop new offerings and services that will provide added value to all NTEA members."