Miner Enterprises Elevates Two Within R&D Department
Two long-time staffers have been promoted within the lauded R&D Department of railcar components manufacturer Miner Enterprises Inc. Jon Swanson has been elevated to the position of R&D Manager, and Adam Merges is the new R&D Lab Coordinator. Effective May 4, 2020, both promotions were announced by Andy R. Kries, Director of Engineering at Miner.
"While taking on this new leadership role within R&D, Jon will also continue making engineering contributions in the development of the product lines at Miner and its subsidiaries," Kries said. Since joining Miner as a test engineer in 2016, Swanson has worked closely with many internal and external customers, Kries added. "He's been instrumental in developing important relationships while contributing to the excellent reputation established by Miner's R&D department within the global railroad industry."
A 17-year veteran at Miner, Merges will continue his current activities as a senior mechanical technician, while expanding his responsibilities to meet the growing requirements within the R&D department. "Adam's versatility and his contributions to the product line have become greatly valued," Kries said. Merges holds a master's degree in industrial management, an associate's degree in industrial systems, and a bachelor's degree in history. He joined Miner Enterprises in 2003, working first in draft gears, before moving to R&D in 2004.
With more than 125 years of experience in railcar equipment design and manufacturing, Miner Enterprises is one of the industry's top suppliers of draft gears, brake beams, outlet gates and unloading systems, constant contact side bearings, and other high-performance components. The company's products are currently used across North America and on railroads worldwide.