New President at Magnode (January 1, 1997)

January 1, 1997 marked the start of a new era in leadership as Martin J. Bidwell assumed the positions of president and chief operating officer, taking over from his father.

Despite stepping down from those positions, Bidwell's father, Arthur, is staying on with Magnode as chairman of the board and chief executive officer.

"We've kind of bridged that gap between generations," said Bidwell. "It's important that there be some transition period."

The change in leadership marks the continuation of a family tradition as Martin Bidwell becomes the third-generation Bidwell to be named president and COO. His grandfather started the company in 1947.

"This company has been family owned for 50 years," Bidwell said. "That is a real rare thing and we're proud of it."

Bidwell, who lives in Middletown with his wife and three children, has worked full time for the company for the past 18 years. The father and son team worked together for the past several years to help create a smooth transition.

"It's a transition that our company has been working on for about five years," Bidwell said. "We're at that point and everything is working and we're real happy with it. This was a logic and excellent transition."

The transition was boosted by the fact that Bidwell's father also agreed that it was time for the change and pledged full support of his son.

"It's a privilege to pass these responsibilities on to Martin, not only because he's my son, but because he is extremely qualified to serve as president and chief operating officer," Arthur said.

Martin began his career at Magnode working part-time as a high school student. He started in the lab where he gained a basic understanding of chemistry and physics. When he turned 18, he began to work in the shop and actually held every classified job, including laborer, fork lift driver and press operator.

After earning a degree in Business Management and a minor in Engineering Technology, Martin joined the company full-time in January 1978 as General Foreman of the Extrusion Department. He has since served as Plant Manager of the Extrusion Department, Manager of the Cast House as well as assuming responsibilities in the financial, administrative and marketing areas. "I refer to my diverse experience as my ‘University of Magnode’ degree", said Martin. He said continued reinvestment in the company, marketing and expanding international opportunities are among the key areas he will focus on as president.

In addition to his father’s business acumen, Martin inherited his sense of team work, loyalty and service. "I and my fellow managers will work as a team to make decisions, and Mr. Bidwell will remain very involved in the business."

Parts of above from an article written by Donald Baker, ©1997 The Middletown Journal.