October 1, 1998-Pentair Names Michael V. Schrock President of the Pentair Pump GroupST. PAUL, Minn. - Pentair, Inc. (NYSE: PNR) today announced the appointment of Michael V. Schrock as president of the Pentair Pump Group, effective January 1, 1999. Schrock, 45, succeeds Fred Lavender, 63, who will retire on December 31, 1998.
Schrock joined Pentair in March 1998 as vice president and general manager for the Aurora and Fairbanks Morse brands and facilities; he also held international sales responsibility for the entire Pentair Pump Group. Prior to joining Pentair, Schrock was employed by Honeywell for 21 years, most recently as vice president and general manager of Honeywell's Solenoid Valve Division. During his employment with Honeywell, he also served in executive positions with responsibility for business in Western Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
"Our pump business in the future will have many more dimensions," said Richard J. Cathcart, president of Pentair's Water and Fluid Technologies Group. "I'm confident that with his extensive background in systems and international operations, Mike will lead the charge into new products and markets, and accelerate the Pump Group's growth."
Lavender has been with Pentair for 11 years, since the acquisition of Myers pump company of Ashland, Ohio, and is recognized for building the business into an industry leader. He was named president of the Pentair Pump Group in August 1997. Lavender will serve as a consultant to Pentair for six months following his retirement.
With approximately 10,000 employees worldwide, Pentair (http://www.pentair.com) is a diversified manufacturing company operating in three principal markets: professional tools and equipment; water and fluid technologies; and electrical and electronic enclosures. Headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, Pentair operates from 50 manufacturing and distribution locations in North America, Europe, and Asia.