Springfield Marine – changes to management team ahead of expansion
Springfield Marine, a leading seating solutions, pedestals, and marine accessories company, has promoted Andy Ellis from project manager to senior manager of worldwide operations. Dee Thomas takes on the role of director of product and marketing, having previously served as marketing manager.
The leadership changes will support the company’s next phase of growth and operational expansion. The company is breaking ground on a 23,800 sq.ft. facility expansion at its site in Nixa, Missouri, USA, which will increase Springfield’s manufacturing capacity by over 50 per cent and allow the company to reshore key production.
This expansion brings all US operations under one roof and is designed to increase efficiency across the organisation significantly.
“As we expand our manufacturing footprint and increase operational capacity, it’s essential that our processes, product development, and brand strategy remain tightly aligned,” says Mike Folkerts, president of Springfield Marine.
“Andy’s leadership will be instrumental in standardising quality systems, advancing continuous improvement initiatives, and managing the technical execution of our facility expansion to support long-term scalability. At the same time, Dee’s ability to integrate product development, engineering coordination, and multi-brand marketing ensures we continue delivering innovative, market-ready solutions across both the Springfield Marine and Shark brands. These promotions strengthen the technical discipline and strategic alignment required for our next phase of global growth.”
In her new role, Thomas will oversee the strategic direction and execution of both product and brand initiatives for Springfield Marine and its Shark Seating brand. Additionally, she will manage the product portfolio of both Springfield Marine and Shark brands, lead all product development and marketing activity across both brands, and provide leadership for the engineering and marketing teams (US and New Zealand).
As senior manager of worldwide operations, Ellis will lead all continuous improvement activities and oversee quality assurance across all facilities, manage the facility expansion in Nixa, and drive efficiency through all manufacturing operations.
