FRANKLIN PARK, Ill. — Rich Packer has been named president of American Metalcraft, becoming the first non-family member to hold the title of the third-generation family business. Packer succeeds David Kahn.
Packer joined American Metalcraft in 1994 as National Sales Manager and has held many positions at the company — most recently acting as Chief Operating Officer. During his tenure at American Metalcraft, the company has grown six times in revenue and evolved from manufacturing and importing primarily back-of-the-house items for pizzerias, bars and banquets, to selling hundreds of innovative restaurant products for the kitchen, buffets, tabletops and bars. The company now has more than 120 employees.
Company owners David Kahn and Susan Bank credit Packer’s leadership and vision as a vital driver of the company’s growing success. “Rich has his eye on the details every day, a good feel for new and innovative products and a clear direction for the company’s future,” says Kahn.
In 2000, Packer helped lead the strategic decision to move into more product categories and pushed the company to become an industry innovator. “As dining out has become more fashionable, we saw an opportunity to be the brand that elevates the art of the chef and truly celebrates food presentation,” Packer says. “Above all, I am proud to be part of a company that values its people over everything else.”
