WMH Tool Group names Chatel as president, COO

Peter Chatel has been named president and chief operating officer of WMH Tool Group Inc., a subsidiary of Switzerland-based WMH Walter Meier Holding AG. WMH Tool Group is a leading manufacturer and marketer of industrial metalworking and woodworking machinery, material handling equipment, work-holding tools, air tools and hand tools.

Chatel most recently was vice president and general manager of North American Operations for Rothenberger LLC, a manufacturer of plumbing tools and machinery. Previously, he served as senior vice president and general manager for Porter Cable Inc. and Delta Machinery. In addition, his tool industry experience includes sales, marketing and general management positions at The Black & Decker Corporation.

“We are excited to have Peter Chatel take the reigns at WMH Tool Group,” said Silvan Meier, president and CEO of WMH Walter Meier Holding. “In addition to his proven leadership capabilities, he brings an exceptionally broad knowledge and perspective of the industrial, commercial and consumer tool industries. He also has an impressive track record of international assignments and Asian sourcing.”

Chatel replaces Jacques Sanche, who will return to WMH Walter Meier Holding in Switzerland, where he will assume leadership of the WMH Tools and WMH Heating business units.

WMH Tool Group Inc., based in Elgin, Ill., offers a broad line of metalworking and woodworking machinery, material handling equipment and work-holding tools available from a single source. WMH Tool Group brands include JET, Powermatic and WILTON. It employs more than 500 people and sells to more than 70 countries worldwide.