R. J. Corman names Lauritzen VP transportation

R. J. Corman Railroad Group LLC has hired Paul Lauritzen as vice president of transportation.

Lauritzen will direct and oversee R. J. Corman Railroad Switching Co. LLC, which provides railroad services for U.S. industrial facilities that include loading, assembly, disassembly and movement of rail-car consists, R. J. Corman officials said in a press release.

"Having worked with Paul previously, I am confident that he will bring new, innovative ideas that will help continue the trend of growth the Switching Co. has seen," said R. J. Corman Railroad Group President and Chief Executive Officer Ed Quinn. "Paul has the drive and integrity to guide the Switching Co., as well as a professionalism and attention to detail that is necessary for customer focus."

Mike Philpot, who has been president of the Switching Co., will remain active at the company by providing operational direction in an advisory role. He also will transition to a strategic role for R. J. Corman, company officials said.

Prior to joining the company, Lauritzen worked for 14 years at Big Ass Solutions, a Lexington, Kentucky-based manufacturer of fans, lights and controls for industrial, commercial and residential use. During his tenure there, Lauritzen served in several roles, including vice president of manufacturing, VP of product management and VP of international business.