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Koppers Inc. recently named John Heller general manager of procurement for the railroad products and services division, effective Jan. 1, 2007. He will succeed Paul Ladd, who plans to retire at year’s end.

Heller will be responsible for purchasing and pricing all wood raw materials in North America. Most recently the division’s operations manager, he previously held a number of positions, including manager of the Superior, Wis., and Galesburg, Ill., plants, and field buyer for procurement.

Koppers also appointed Ted Woerle division operations manager, effective Jan. 1, to succeed Heller. Woerle will be responsible for four plants.

Most recently manager of the Galesburg plant, he previously managed the Green Spring, W.Va., plant and served as treating supervisor at the Roanoke, Va., plant. Heller and Woerle will report to Vice President and GM Thomas Loadman.

During his 38-year Koppers career, Ladd has held various procurement positions in the division, including procurement manager and assistant procurement manager.

“Paul has been responsible for the purchase of billions of dollars of product throughout his career, and it has been his leadership and dedication that have enabled us to achieve the No. 1 market-share position in our industry,” said Loadman in a prepared statement.

Koppers’ rail division supplies pressure-treated wood products, including cross and switch ties; pre-stressed concrete products, including cross and switch ties, and turnouts; specialty track hardware; and track panels. The division also provides tie pre-plating services.