Franklin Electric names new global water VP, celebrates HQ anniversary 

Donald Kenney, vice president and president, global water, will be retiring after nearly 32 years with Franklin Electric. Kenney led Franklin Electric’s Global Water growth strategy over the past decade. Taking over the position is Greg Levine, who joined Franklin Electric in July from Nidec Corp., where he served as president of the motion control and drives business for the past six years. Before working at Nidec, Levine held senior engineering roles at Emerson for 15 years.

Franklin Electric also celebrated the 10th anniversary of its global corporate headquarters in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

CEO Gregg Sengstack addressed employees. Completed in 2013, the 120,000-square-foot complex is located on 102 acres. The building is powered by more than 70 Franklin Electric products. Outside, a cooling pond provides geothermal heating and cooling. The company was granted LEED Silver certification through the U.S. Green Building Council.

Vanair expanding operations in Indiana

Michigan City, Indiana-based Vanair announced plans to expand its facilities and create additional employment opportunities in the region. Construction of a new facility is expected to generate 75 new jobs. This is Vanair’s third expansion in 15 years to accommodate the addition of staff.