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Trexel Inc. (Wilmington, Mass.) announced the passing of its president and CEO, Brian Bechard. Bechard suffered a heart attack while competing in a rowing race on the Merrimack River on August 6, 2022. He was 48 years old, and had served at CEO of Trexel since 2015.

Under Bechard’s leadership, Trexel was able to advance its MuCell Technology into new markets and applications. When Bechard joined the company, Trexel’s proprietary MuCell foaming technology was primarily utilized in injection molding in the automotive industry. After spearheading efforts to diversify, Trexel notes that its technology is currently used in products and by customers in packaging, footwear, blowmolding, electronics and the electric vehicle market.

Before joining Trexel in 2015, Brian ran ´óÏó´«Ã½es in Europe and North America for hot runner supplier Synventive; managed an injection and extrusion plant for Avery Dennison; and served as a combat engineering officer in the US Army. Brian is a graduate of West Point and received his MBA from Harvard Business School. Bechard is survived by his wife, Patty, and their two sons Nathan and Evan.

As Trexel undertakes its search for a new CEO, David Bernstein, Chairman of the Board will serve as Interim CEO. Day-to-day management will be handled by VP Engineering Levi Kishbaugh and VP Finance and Operations Petr Janik.