Columbus, Ohio – October 16, 2026 -- Core Molding Technologies (NYSE American: CMT) has promoted Michael J. Gayford to Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately, giving him operational responsibility for all of the company's North American operations.
Mexico operations chief Arnold Alanis now reports to Gayford
Arnold Alanis, Executive Vice President of Operations in Mexico, will report to Gayford in the new structure. Gayford will keep his existing focus on operational excellence, program management and research and development. He will also execute strategic programs aimed at accelerating growth and improving operational performance.
Gayford rose from VP to EVP in two years before the COO appointment
Gayford joined Core Molding in March 2023 as Vice President of Operations. In 2025 he was promoted to Executive Vice President of Operations. In that role he oversaw multi-site manufacturing across the United States and Canada and led the Advanced Manufacturing Engineering and Research and Development organizations.
He brings more than 25 years of engineering, manufacturing and operational leadership experience, including more than 17 years in composite manufacturing. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Alfred State College.
CEO Palomaki credits Gayford with operational improvements across the company
President and CEO Eric Palomaki said Gayford has been instrumental in advancing the company's operational capabilities and driving improvements across the organization. The company describes his tenure as central to strengthening operational execution, advancing technology initiatives and supporting its strategic transformation.
Gayford said he intends to advance operational excellence, deliver value to customers and support Core's long-term growth.
Core Molding makes molded structural products for the medium- and heavy-duty truck, powersports, building products, and industrial and utility markets across the United States, Canada and Mexico. The source release does not give financial terms for the appointment or a timeline for the strategic programs.