The move is intended to bolster leadership and foster continued growth and success of UFP Eastern Division, Inc., a busy and growing territory that includes operations primarily east of the Mississippi River.
“The exciting growth of our operations in the East and the numerous facilities in the division prompted us to make moves that will best accommodate business and opportunity today and nurture continued growth,” said CEO Matthew J. Missad. “We are excited about giving these two strong leaders responsibility for the growth and success of their respective territories. We have every confidence they’ll use their vast experience and skills to create new energy for their businesses, new opportunities for their people, and exciting growth for the companies of Universal.”
Both Benton and West will report to COO Pat Webster.
Benton joined Universal in 1993 as a production trainee in Saginaw, Texas. He held positions of increasing responsibility there and in Schertz, New Waverly and Houston, Texas. In 2008, he was promoted to the position he held before his promotion: vice president of operations in South Texas.
“Patrick knows how to build and energize winning teams,” Webster said. “He was instrumental in growing Texas into a thriving region with strong operations and great opportunity. He has experience in all of our markets, and we know he’ll nurture a winning culture among his operations.”
West joined Universal in 1994 as a sales trainee in Salisbury, N.C. He was promoted to positions of increasing responsibility in Salisbury and New London, N.C., and Ashburn, Ga., and in 2007, to regional vice president of the Southeast, the position he held before his promotion.
“Jonathan is highly regarded for his sales acumen and his thoughtful leadership,” Missad said. “His operations and region have consistently shone in sales and innovation. He knows how to create opportunity and drive sales.”
Universal Forest Products, Inc. is a holding company that provides capital, management and administrative resources to subsidiaries that supply wood, wood composite and other products to three robust markets: retail, construction and industrial.
