Press release submitted on behalf of SHI.
Sumitomo (SHI) Demag North America has revealed its next leadership development. The leadership change announcements reinforce the company’s commitment to growth and innovation, whilst also retaining the company’s dedication to customer excellence.
Effective April 1, 2025, Liam Burns assumes the role of President, bringing extensive industry experience and a strong vision for the company’s future. Liam Burns has been with Sumitomo (SHI) Demag for the past two years, serving as Senior Manager for Northeast Regional Sales. Prior to working at the company, he had been involved in the injection molding industry for 36 years, garnering experience in both managerial and technical positions.
In his new role, Burns will focus on external initiatives, driving customer value, strengthening partnerships, and elevating the global Sumitomo (SHI) Demag brand messaging across North America. Customer-centric strategies and market expansion will underline this strategy to support the company’s long-term growth.
“Innovation and customer excellence have always been central to Sumitomo (SHI) Demag’s global success. I’m honored to take on this role and build on our strong foundation. I look forward to connecting with our customers, gaining deeper insights into their needs, and working together to shape the future of our industry,” says Burns.
Additionally, John F. Martich III, who has been serving as Executive Vice President, accepts the expanded role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) effective the same day. Within this role Martich will oversee internal operations, ensuring efficiency, innovation and complete alignment to the company’s global strategic objectives. Collaborating closely with Beth Belay, Corporate Controller & Compliance Officer, Martich remains resolutely focused on enhancing operational excellence and optimizing business processes.
Congratulating the team on these newest leadership appointments, Group CSO Anatol Sattel comments: “With this dynamic leadership team in place, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag North America is well-positioned to expand its market influence and international reach by continuing to provide innovative solutions to the plastics manufacturing industry.”
Sumitomo (SHI) Demag Plastics Machinery GmbH
Sumitomo (SHI) Demag has shaped the development of the plastics industry from its very beginning. As a specialist for injection moulding machines for plastics processing, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag and its Japanese parent company are leading the industry.
The global development and production network of Sumitomo Heavy Industries and Sumitomo (SHI) Demag is comprised of four facilities in Japan, Germany and China with more than 3,100 employees. The product portfolio includes all-electric, hydraulic and hybrid injection moulding machines with clamping forces of between 500 and 15.000 kN. With more than 167,000 installed machines, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag is present in important global markets and ranks among the largest manufacturers of injection moulding machines in the world.
At Sumitomo’s headquarters in Chiba, Japan, the company manufactures machines with clamping forces in the small to medium range. Nearly 95 % of all delivered machines are equipped with an all-electric drive concept. Sumitomo (SHI) Demag’s German facilities in Schwaig and Wiehe produce the Systec Servo range with hybrid drive as well as the El-Exis SP and Systec SP range of high-speed, high-performance machines. The all-electric IntElect range for international customers is also being produced in Germany.
As early as 1998, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag set up its first production site in Ningbo/China. In 2015, the Chinese subsidiary Demag Plastics Machinery (Ningbo) Co., Ltd. installed a new facility with a 13,000 m² floor space. It is earmarked for the production of the Systec C range with clamping forces of between 500 and 10,000 kN for the Asian market.
In addition to injection moulding machines, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag offers customised and standardised systems for the part handling automation, technical and process solutions for special applications, tailored services and service concepts as well as a range of financial options to support investment in injection moulding machines.
With its comprehensive sales and service network of subsidiaries and agencies, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag is present in all major markets.
More information: https://sumitomo-shi-demag.us/
