When Hayes Lemmerz International filed for bankruptcy in 2001, the board brought in Curt Clawson to bring the company back to profitability. He did so by implementing Lean Manufacturing (for systems and profit improvements) and Topgrading (for a major infusion of top talent).
Like most automotive suppliers, Hayes Lemmerz was slammed in the recession of 2008. Retaining the methods Clawson implemented, the company turned around again and was acquired in 2012 by Iochpe Group, parent of Maxion Wheels. Clawson retired, and long-term Hayes Lemmerz executive Fred Bentley became President and CEO of Maxion Wheels.
Curt Clawson, CEO