(PRESS RELEASE) – Spangler Candy Company has announced four leadership promotions within the Operations department, including three additions to the company’s Management Team.
John Dunlap / Director-Process Management
John Dunlap has been promoted to Director-Process Management and now serves on the company’s Management Team. John, who previously worked as Director-Operations, manages operational processes and continuous improvement practices in Spangler’s production areas. He also oversees the company’s maintenance department.
John has worked at Spangler for 25 years. He began in 1999 as a Production Supervisor. In 2008 he was promoted to Director-Bryan Manufacturing, 3rd shift, and three years later took on the same role for 1st shift.
Wendy Staniski / Director-Bryan Manufacturing
Wendy Staniski has been promoted to Director-Bryan Manufacturing and joins the Management Team. Wendy will be responsible for Bryan Manufacturing operations, including training and developing employees.
Wendy has worked at Spangler for 35 years. She began in 1989 as a production employee. In 2013, she was promoted to Production Supervisor and 2016 to Shift Superintendent.
Wendy obtained her associate’s degree in business management and marketing from Northwest State Community College.
Eric Guilford / Director-Engineering
Eric Guilford has joined the Management Team. Eric will continue to lead the company’s Engineering team and all related projects.
Eric has worked at Spangler for 32 years. Eric obtained his industrial engineering degree from Purdue University and joined Spangler in 1992.
“These three individuals have contributed significantly to our company’s success and have combined experience at Spangler totaling more than 90 years,” said Spangler Candy Company CEO Kirk Vashaw.
“John brings tremendous manufacturing knowledge to our strategic planning process and is an important asset to our leadership team,” Vashaw continued.
“Our people are critical to everything we do, and we are pleased to have someone of Wendy’s caliber leading our employment initiatives.”
“And Spangler’s future growth and continuous improvement will rely heavily on the expertise of our Engineering department, where Eric’s experience is just what we need to maintain focus and accomplish our goals.”
“It is exciting to add John, Wendy and Eric to our Management Team,” added Spangler President Bill Martin. “Our team already was strong, and now it is even stronger.”
“Spangler is continuing to thrive and add value to the confectionery industry and to our local community. We remain very confident about the future of Spangler Candy Company.”
Justin Kunsman / 1st Shift Superintendent
Justin Kunsman will be transitioning to the 1st shift Superintendent position. Justin has worked at Spangler for 22 years, beginning in the production department in 2002.
“This is a great move for Justin and for Spangler,” said John Dunlap, Director-Process Management. “Justin’s experience is of tremendous value as we continue to work on future projects.”
Spangler Candy Company has been family-owned and operated in Bryan, OH since 1906. Under its Dum-Dums flagship, it the largest lollipop factory in the world and the only major candy cane producer in the United States. Other products include Spangler® Circus Peanuts, Sweethearts®, Necco® Wafers, Canada® Mints and Bit-O-Honey®.
