Regional Executives Reunite, Take on Automation
Louisville, Kentucky — January 7, 2024 — With the recent appointment of two new C-Suite leaders, Louisville-based CRG Automation has assembled a team of former Big Ass Fans executives in pursuit of innovation in industrial automation.
After growing the Lexington-based fan manufacturer for over a decade and guiding it to a successful private equity sale, Chief Operating Officer Paul Lauritzen and Chief Commercial Officer Alex Reed are now reunited with James DeSmet, CEO of CRG Automation, an award-winning automation products and integrated systems business. Rounding out the senior leadership team is VP of Sales and Engineering Dillon Sego, an automation expert with an accomplished history in the automotive sector.
“We spent nearly a decade together building Big Ass Fans into a dominant, cutting-edge industrial brand,” said DeSmet, the former head of engineering and operations at the fan manufacturer. “We see a similar opportunity with industrial automation and plan to pursue growth aggressively, both organically and through strategic acquisitions.”
CRG Automation was founded in 2000 and, after being acquired by DeSmet in 2019, experienced rapid growth that landed it on the Inc 5000 list while earning numerous national company and product awards, including TIME’s Best Invention. Louisville Business First named it the city’s fastest growing business in 2021.
The company developed a reputation for delivering sophisticated automation solutions in complex applications, including the high-profile Blue Grass Chemical Agent Destruction Pilot Plant. It also serves a variety of blue-chip commercial customers across manufacturing, distribution and packaging segments, providing both custom-engineered layouts as well as high-performance equipment and machinery.
Pointing to persistent industry and economic trends such as supply chain constraints, manufacturing onshoring, labor shortages, inflation and international tariffs, Lauritzen emphasized the high volume of opportunities for companies that can execute. “Macroeconomic and secular trends can provide tailwinds, but ultimately we’re most excited about the talent and capabilities at CRG Automation that position us to win,” explained Lauritzen.
With strong momentum and a solid foundation, the leadership team at CRG is now making plans for Big Ass Fans-like growth in the 2020s. “We have an enormous appetite for growth and innovation, and we’re actively looking at companies that can complement our vision,” said Reed. “We’re open-minded, aggressive and optimistic about the company’s future.”
The success of any organization starts with its people, explains DeSmet: “With the recent appointments of Paul and Alex, we’re building onto an already-incredible team of people that will ultimately drive the success of the company. Of all the investments we may make, our people are the most impactful.”
About CRG Automation
CRG Automation is a leading innovator in industrial automation, recognized for delivering groundbreaking solutions to complex engineering challenges. Celebrated with Time’s Best Invention award in 2023, multiple appearances on the Inc. 5000 list, and a World Changing Idea nomination by Fast Company in 2024, CRG is trusted by industries worldwide for its ability to redefine performance standards and drive operational excellence.
The company’s expertise spans custom-designed machinery, high-speed packaging systems, robotic integrations, and fully tailored manufacturing solutions. Known for its unwavering commitment to quality and innovation, CRG empowers businesses with advanced technologies that boost productivity, efficiency, and reliability. Visit crgautomation.com to learn more.