Ron Meskis, Co-CEO and Charley Read, COO


Our pivotal moment for continuing to innovate and build this vital organization to its fullest potential is now, and we trust this new leadership team will successfully implement our growth strategy with a keen focus and commitment to excellence for our customers throughout the country.

Simplex-USA, the foremost manufacturer and supplier of infrastructure products to highway contractors throughout the USA and Canada, has added to its growth with the leadership joint appointments of Ron Meskis as Co-Chief Executive Officer and Charley Read as Chief Operations Officer; it was announced today by Mark Kaler, the organization’s Interim Chief Executive Officer, who will continue to serve in a Co-CEO capacity:

“Considering the dedicated efforts of Meskis and Read, how both have been instrumental in building Simplex into the leading manufacturer and supplier of infrastructure products and solutions nationwide, their new appointments couldn’t be more deserved and complementary to each other’s strengths at this critical time of expansion. Our pivotal moment for continuing to innovate and build this vital organization to its fullest potential is now, and we trust this new leadership team will successfully implement our growth strategy with a keen focus and commitment to excellence for our customers throughout the country.”

The Simplex Board of Directors look to Meskis and Read in their new roles as part of completing the organization’s proliferation and relocation of its West Coast manufacturing operations to Fernley, NV. In addition to his new responsibilities as Co-CEO, Meskis will oversee all Simplex sales initiatives; while Read will be responsible for all company operations across its national footprint.

Meskis brings 30 years’ experience in the construction industry, with the last ten years serving as part of executive leadership teams in highly regarded construction and healthcare organizations. His significant expertise is recognized for successfully implementing strategic business plans through the utilization of Lean, Six Sigma, Theory of Constraints, and Value Selling. In only his past two years at Simplex, Meskis helped lead the team to increase the company’s gross profits over 50% growing revenues to over $90M (via acquisition and organic growth), and improving gross margins by 4% through optimizing operations. His collective sales and operational experience, compounded by his ability to embrace change, inspire a solid work ethic as he fosters a positive work culture. An immensurate leadership talent, Meskis has leveraged his role as the resolute leader for taking Simplex to its next level.

Read represents 27 years of leadership experience as a consultant and manager in manufacturing operations and professional services; specifically in construction, agriculture, automotive, and general industrial. His specializations include: Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Operations/Facilities Management, and Project Management. Read was instrumental in leading DFSS 6 Sigma Black Belt projects into development, implementation, and improved key performance metrics for clients – being responsible for most recently leading a $2.5M project to move its manufacturing facility from Ontario, California to Fernley, Nevada. Before assuming the role of COO, Read has served as the General Manager of Dayton Superior’s paving division and has been part of the Simplex leadership team since its acquisition of Dayton Superior’s paving division in June 2019.

Sarah Bazey, founder of Simplex who lead and managed this company for more than 30 years as its CEO, and who most recently navigated Simplex’s purchase of JC Supply & Manufacturing, states: “We proudly recognize the outstanding efforts of Meskis and Read along with their continued dedication to Simplex. These accomplished individuals have the right combination of leadership skills, both in sales and operations, to deliver best-in-class manufacturing and financial performance, as well as to serve as successful ambassadors for our employees and valued customers.”

Paving continued growth and further acquisitions are chiefly in the Simplex ambit as the foremost leader of specialty road products. Now made even stronger through the newly appointed joint leadership of Meskis and Read, the company is steadfast at the vanguard of the industry future, distinctly poised to blaze those trails.

More About Simplex-USA

Excellence in Design Life and Quality of Concrete Pavement

Simplex is the pre-eminent manufacturer and supplier of infrastructure products to highway contractors throughout the USA and Canada. As an added benefit to contractors, Simplex is recognized for its proficiency in bundling the most comprehensive and customized package of accessories for its customers. Upholding a blue-chip standard, the company has continued to distinguish its strength and reputation; garnering widespread growth and industry demand. Simplex has perfected the ability to create innovative new products that improve the design life and overall quality of concrete pavement. As a result of its more than 150 years of experience, the Simplex team has become a trusted partner to its loyal customers, which have increasingly relied upon this exemplary industry leader for providing all needed expert technical guidance and proven solutions. This includes servicing the state and federal authorities, which approve the Simplex products for use in concrete roads and airport pavements.

Simplex maintains a combined footprint of 448,000 square feet under roof and 25 acres of capacity across three locations comprised of Fernley, Nevada; Kankakee, Illinois; and Minneapolis, Minnesota; with over 150 employees combined working in those facilities.

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