Braun Announces Changes to Engineering Department

J.B. Werner, CEO and chairman of the board at G.A. Braun, Syracuse, NY, recently announced that Director of Engineering and Product Development Steve Wilbur will retire from Braun after 13 years of service. Wilbur’s successor, Ryan Blair, will succeed Wilbur in this position, according to a news release.

Blair joined G.A. Braun in 2005 as dryer product engineer and quickly advanced to lead engineer for dryer technology. After several years in that role, Blair was promoted to mechanical engineering manager for all washroom equipment, including dryers, washers, batch tunnel washers, presses and conveyance equipment.

One of Blair’s most significant achievements yielded him two U.S. patents for the inner cylinder safety locking mechanism on the Braun Advantage® Side Loader. He also developed vastly improved dryer airflow designs and a new on-board lint collection system that garnered him his first U.S. patent. Blair holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology.

Throughout his career at Braun, Wilbur has led his team of engineers through numerous product design and development initiatives, ensuring the latest technology is incorporated in Braun’s washroom equipment. Wilbur has authored several articles for Textile Services magazine and has presented insights on numerous technologies at various association meetings and events. Additionally, he has taught at educational venues throughout the industry.

“We wish Steve much enjoyment, and relaxation, as he embarks on the next chapter of his life and thank him for 13 years of dedication to team Braun,” Werner said. “We also congratulate Ryan on his promotion and are highly confident that with his leadership he will strongly complement our strategic business pursuits well into the future.”