Dec 7 -- Valpak has announced its Operations Leadership Team that will oversee the transition to Valpak’s new manufacturing center in St. Petersburg, FL. The new $200 million state of the art facility will be operational next year and will employ approximately 500 workers. The leadership team will direct the migration from Valpak’s existing manufacturing plants in Largo, FL and Elm City, NC to the new center in St. Petersburg. The transition period is scheduled to be completed during the 4th quarter of 2007. Each member of the transition team has been involved with the project since Valpak announced its strategic development plans in 2004. Shawn Delemeester and Scott Clark have been named as Production Directors. They will be responsible for the start up of the new manufacturing center and will manage the overall transition from the existing production facilities. Steve Murphy, Director of Production, will oversee operations of the company’s two plants in Largo, FL and Elm City, NC through the end of 2007. Mark Olsen, Director of Operations, will develop operational communications strategies as well as support the migration to the new facility. He will also develop supply chain management activities to support business needs. David Smith, Director of Quality, Safety, and Engineering Services, will facilitate the development of preventive maintenance programs and equipment implementation as well as direct engineering, quality, and safety activities. Dave Fox, Director of the Project Management Office, will manage project, systems, and risk management activities through the migration period. Dave will also continue to manage several other strategic corporate projects through the end of 2007. In addition to these positions, Valpak continues to seek experienced production leaders and workers for the new manufacturing center. Interested individuals can apply in person at the Valpak Human Resources Department located at 8575 Largo Lakes Drive in Largo, FL or electronically through their comprehensive career site www.valpakcareers.com. Questions about available positions can also be e-mailed to [email protected].