Danfoss, a leading manufacturer of high-efficiency electronic and mechanical components and controls for air-conditioning, heating, refrigeration, industrial, and water systems, has named Sean Kurtz general manager and director of operations for its compressor manufacturing facility in Arkadelphia, Ark. In this role, Kurtz will provide leadership to the facility’s management team and daily production processes, as well as execute the company’s global business strategy at the local level.

Danfoss’ Arkadelphia facility engineers and manufactures high efficiency and variable speed commercial compressors as well as fractional and full horsepower condensing unit products for the global market.

Kurtz joins Danfoss with more than 24 years of experience in plant, project, and engineering management related to high-speed/high-volume manufacturing in automotive, aerospace, business equipment, and heavy equipment industries. Most recently, he was director, U.S. manufacturing, at Klein Tools, a manufacturer of non-powered hand tools and measuring devices.

“As the largest global commercial compressor manufacturer, Danfoss is pleased to welcome Sean to our team,” commented John Galyen, president, Danfoss North America. “We’re confident that, under his leadership, we will continue to provide superior quality and high efficiency compressors for this important and growing market.”

Kurtz fills the role previously held by Paul Dean, who has recently assumed the position of vice president of operations for Danfoss Turbocor Compressors in Tallahassee, Fla.

Kurtz holds a master’s degree in operations management from Northern Illinois University and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Lawrence Technological University. He also is a Six Sigma Black Belt.