GARLAND, Texas – Aug. 16, 2019 – Fortress Building Products is pleased to announce the addition of Dave Smithey to the executive team as vice president, operations. This new role was established to enhance Fortress’ operational capabilities going forward. As part of a significant growth initiative, the company has launched a new plan called Fortress 2020 Vision. This plan will guide the organizational transformation into a new structure engineered to better serve customers and support the expansion of multiple brands and product categories in strategic channels of trade.

As vice president, operations, Smithey will provide leadership and drive continuous improvement in operational performance. Smithey will oversee the warehousing and inventory management, global logistics and order management, as well as global sourcing and manufacturing teams. He will lead the one- and three-year operations plans to deliver improvements in efficiency, quality, capacity, safety, costs and delivery for both internal and external customers. “We are very excited to have Dave join the Fortress team. We are at an important inflection point in the growth of the company. Dave’s skills and experience will enhance our team’s capabilities as we expand our manufacturing and supply chain footprint, increase our product offerings and seek continuous improvement in serving our customers,” said Mike Walsh, chief operating officer at Fortress Building Products.

Smithey received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Vanderbilt University, a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Illinois, and an MBA from Michigan State University. He brings extensive operational experience to Fortress from his previous position at GKN Aerospace, where he held the position of vice president, supply chain transformation. Prior to that, he spent 19 years in the domestic refrigeration and HVAC industries with Johnson Controls and Lennox International. He has held numerous positions in the U.S. and Mexico focusing on the value stream of business from engineering, operations and supply chain management to distribution and continuous improvement. Smithey focuses on Lean operating principles and teamwork to build a growing and profitable business.

About Fortress Building Products

Fortress Building Products is a leading manufacturer dedicated to delivering proven performance and smarter solutions in the residential, multi-family, commercial and industrial building products industries. Based in Texas, Fortress Building Products supplies North America with forward-thinking outdoor living solutions, including steel and aluminum railing, fencing, framing and pergolas. With an excellent track record built on 50 years of innovation, Fortress® is focused on providing the best steel and aluminum products that build a stronger tomorrow for people and the planet. Sustainable, durable and socially responsible, Fortress’ category-leading solutions strengthen the way people build and live. Learn more at www.fortressbp.com/.