JUNE 15, 2022
We are pleased to announce the promotion of Justin Fordham to the role of General Manager for our Eastman, Georgia business. This critical leadership role is responsible for driving the VST operating system and is accountable for all site business operations, as well as critical customer relationships in the Southeastern US region. Justin has served as the interim General Manager for a number of months, focusing on the management of employee engagement and customer service in the wake of the recent fire at our Middle Georgia facility.
Chris Celtruda; Valence Chief Executive officer shared, “Operational execution and customer connectivity are critical elements of our VST operating system. Justin has been instrumental in bringing capability back on-line, managing customer expectations and embracing our employees as we look to rebuild after fire destroyed one of the buildings at our Georgia campus.”
Justin has a strong background in operations and quality for the aerospace and defense market, with a history of driving change, developing teams, managing quality systems, and focusing on customer satisfaction. Most recently he served as the Eastman Site Operations Leader, with previous roles in operations and quality at Valence. He was formerly employed in the Quality function for KENCOA Aerospace.
Justin commented, “I am excited to provide everyday leadership for the Eastman, GA team and engage with our customers in the Southeast to drive growth. I look forward to restoring our capability at the Eastman site, implementing a world class greenfield processing facility and engaging our talented employees, as we continue to achieve full chemical processing and painting capability for future growth”
Justin is a native of Georgia and is committed to ensuring that VST is respected for being engaged in the local community and is valued as the preferred Aerospace employer in the region. He has attended Middle Georgia State University with studies in Aircraft Structural Technology.
Valence Surface Technologies is the largest independent provider of metal finishing to the commercial aviation, defense, space, and medical market verticals, with OEM approved painting, plating and coating capabilities throughout the United States. Valence is headquartered in Los Angeles, California, and is sponsored by equity investors ATL Partners and BCI; the British Columbia Investment Management Company.