IRVINE, CA – Catherine Helshoj, vice president, Laguna Tools, Inc., recently announced the appointment of Stephen Stoppenbrink to the newly created position of chief operating officer for the company.

Stoppenbrink brings some 30 years of successful industry and management experience in virtually all disciplines of business to Laguna Tools. His areas of expertise include sales and marketing, engineering, manufacturing, finance, information technology, human resources and legal. Prior to accepting the Laguna Tools position, he served in a similar capacity as COO for Nu Flow Technologies in San Diego, Calif., an interior infrastructure rehabilitation company. Stoppenbrink also held the position of president and CEO of Hyd-Mech Group, Ltd., a Woodstock, Ontario, Canada manufacturer and distributor of machine tools, and vice president of operations for DoAll Industrial Supply of Des Plaines, Ill.

"We expect Stephen to play an important role in managing the growth of Laguna Tools," Helshoj announced. "During the last few years we have expanded our product line and the business itself. Stephen's addition will enable us to implement operational controls and processes to improve our productivity and help us maintain our current sales trajectory. His great depth of experience in related industries will allow Torben [Helshoj, Laguna Tools president and CEO] and me to focus on areas of our business closest to our own areas of expertise."

Stoppenbrink said, "I am excited to bring my experience to Laguna Tools. It is a great company and a highly respected brand name within the machine tool industry. I look forward to working with Catherine and Torben to further strengthen an already robust management team, as well as grow revenue and profits. Together we will take the company to the next level."

Stoppenbrink and his wife Lauri are residents of San Diego, Calif.. They have five children and six grandchildren.

The corporate offices of Laguna Tools are located at 17101 Murphy Ave., Irvine, CA 92614. The company may be contacted at (949) 474-1200.

About Laguna Tools Laguna Tools is an Irvine, California-based manufacturer of advanced CNC machinery and award-winning bandsaws, tablesaws, edgebanders, and other woodworking equipment. The company is currently celebrating its 30th year of solution-driven sales.

Source: Laguna Tools