SAVAGE, Minn. — To enhance oversight of daily operations at the rapidly expanding subsidiary, Beckhoff Automation LLC recently hired Wayne Schmeichel as director of operations. Based at the company’s U.S. headquarters in Greater Minneapolis, Schmeichel has assumed management responsibilities for multiple teams, including customer service, logistics, and inventory/supply chain. He also helps direct, plan, and coordinate operational activities for the Savage, Minnesota headquarters.

After excelling in several operational capacities in the manufacturing industry as a business analyst and consultant, Schmeichel joined IoT and wireless communication solutions provider Digi International Inc., headquartered in Hopkins, Minnesota. Over the course of 18 years at Digi, he held several key positions — most recently director of operations.

“Throughout his career with high-tech companies, Wayne developed a wealth of analytical and operational skills,” said Kevin Barker, president of Beckhoff Automation LLC. “We will channel his impressive strategic management experience to strengthen our daily operations and efficiency as Beckhoff business infrastructure and market share continue to grow in the U.S. Wayne’s track record shows that he is the right person to manage these core responsibilities as we continue to accelerate our business development.”

Schmeichel served for seven years in the South Dakota National Guard and then earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering and management from North Dakota State University. For more information, visit www.beckhoffautomation.com.