Darrel Scott retires after lengthy service
Ohio Rod Products names Jeff Liter president
Mary Margaret Moorhead - Staff Writer

Officials at Ohio Rod Products and Best Metal Finishing have announced the retirement of Plant Operations Manager Darrel Scott and the hiring of Jeff Liter as new president.

Concerning Scott's retirement, Gary Walston, Elgin Fastener Group president, said, "I always felt very comfortable when I was away at the other Elgin Fastener companies that Ohio Rod was in good hands with Darrel."

Scott, a native of Versailles, graduated in 1965 from the University of Cincinnati and began his career with Ohio Rod in June 1966. His first job was in the Order Entry department. From there he held various management positions over the years including Shipping/Receiving Supervisor, Plant Supervision, and in June 1974 was promoted to Materials Manager, a position he held until 1996.

"I feel very grateful and fortunate for having the opportunity to be associated with a progressive minded company during my 39 1/2 years," said Scott in commenting on his career with Ohio Rod Products.

When Ohio Rod President Gary Walston was given other Elgin Fastener Companies to oversee in 1996, Scott was promoted to Plant Operations Manager, the position he held until his recent retirement.

Scott commented that his association and interaction with many of the divisions of Elgin National Industries and their respective management "has been an incredible experience."

In addition to his many accomplishments as head of Ohio Rod Products, Scott was also instrumental in the building in Osgood of Best Metal Finishing, Ohio Rod's sister plating company.

Scott's final day was November 23, ending a career that spanned 39 1/2 years and saw great growth in the Versailles based industry.

"The greatest tribute I can personally offer has been the friendship and extremely rewarding relationship in working with each individual at Ohio Rod Products and the Versailles community," Scott said.

"It has been the loyalty and dedication by everyone associated with Ohio Rod that has provided an enjoyable workplace environment," he concluded.

Jeff Liter takes over reigns

In announcing the hiring of Jeff Liter as division president, Walston noted Liter had previously worked for Ohio Rod in the 1980's as an inside salesman.

"Jeff brings back many years of sales, marketing, and management experience in both manufacturing and distribution," Walston said.

In reference to the management change, the retiring Scott said, "As the management change unfolds, I offer my utmost support during the transition period while reflecting upon the history of the company and the many business relationships that have provided a very enjoyable and memorable journey."

A resident of the Lafayette area for several years, Jeff Liter has made his mark in the business world and brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise.

In his most recent position as vice president of sales for Equiguard, Inc., Liter took the company from a start up to North America's largest provider of extended service agreements to the HVAC/R Industry.

Prior to working for Equiguard, Liter was with Consolidated Industries, a $30 million HVAC manufacturing company for whom he developed a distribution network, increasing sales significantly through that channel.

Liter is a native of Madison and a graduate of Madison High School. He received his bachelor's degree in business management from Indiana University Southeast.

He is married to the former Amy Morris of Versailles, and the two have one daughter Meg. "Jeff, his wife Amy and eight-year-old daughter Meg are welcome additions to the Ohio Rod/Best Metal family,"

Walston said. "With Darrel Scott's retirement, we wanted someone with solid sales and marketing credentials. Jeff's presence will allow me to concentrate on the entire Fastener Group's growth and direction."

Ohio Rod Products, a manufacturer of long length, small diameter headed and threaded industrial use fasteners, and Best Metal Finishing, specializing in zinc and zinc phosphate commercial plating, are members of the Elgin Fastener Group.

The group of companies also includes Chandler Products, Cleveland, Ohio, a manufacturer of close tolerance fasteners for the diesel and automotive markets; Precision Screw & Bolts, Cleveland, a manufacturer of large diameter, short length industrial use fasteners; Leland Powell, Martin, Tennessee, a manufacturer of small diameter, short length industrial use fasteners; and Elgin Fasteners International, a fastener engineering and import support group to the manufacturing companies.

Liter, who will report to Elgin Fastener Group President Gary Walston, said, "I'm excited about the opportunities here. I've worked with Gary before and look forward to the opportunity to find new markets and new sales for our products. Darrel (Scott) is leaving a well-oiled machine. The operation here is very strong, but there is still opportunity for growth."

The Liter family will move to the area from Lafayette, their present home.