Responding to ‘strong demand for its Made in America water bottles’, Polar Bottle’s parent company, Product Architects, has created and filled two new positions in its operations department.
Ken Austin joins the Boulder-based company as Director of Operations and Tracy Lindsey becomes the company’s first Purchasing Agent. Together, they bring with them 45 years of experience in manufacturing.
“As our company has grown over the past 20 years, we have continuously improved our production techniques so that we can keep our manufacturing in the United States,” said company President Judy Amabile. “Ken and Tracy’s experience will be invaluable in furthering our manufacturing processes and expanding our operations.”
As Director of Operations, Ken Austin will oversee everything from manufacturing, quality control, inventory, personnel and shipping.
Originally from Seattle, Washington, Ken has worked in manufacturing mainly with high-tech electronics for 25 years. Most recently, he worked in manufacturing at a high-tech consumer product company in Utah. Ken lived in Colorado 14 years ago with his wife and four children before moving to Utah and was eager to return to the state — where his children and now grandchildren still live.
Tracy Lindsey joins Polar Bottle from a thin film development company in Fort Collins, where she worked as a senior buyer. As the Purchasing Agent, Tracy will be responsible for purchasing goods and supplies, negotiating supplier contracts and vendor relationships, and inventory management.
Originally from San Diego, Tracy has worked in purchasing for 20 years. She moved to Colorado in 1994.
Ken and Tracy both say they accepted their positions because of the commitment to environmental responsibility and general company culture at Product Architects.
“Working for a smaller company, you feel like you can make a real difference,” Tracy said. “I think Ken and I can really make some positive changes here.”
