At Marion Body, continuity is a family affair
Jun 1, 2003 12:00 PM
Vinson R “Bud” Simpson, chairman of family-owned-and-managed Marion Body Works, plans to retire, and his son Jim Simpson and son-in-law Curt Ignacio will assume fuller responsibilities. The change will occur August 9, 2003, the elder Simpson's 75th birthday.
Founded in Marion WI in 1905 and operated continually first by the Milbauer family and later in the 1970s by Wausau WI's Schutte brothers, Marion Body's assets were purchased in October 1980 by Bud Simpson.
A 1950 graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Bud Simpson had worked for 25 years with the Trane Co of La Crosse, earning a master's degree from Indiana University in 1955 and becoming a director and president of Trane. He then joined the privately held Marathon Electric Mfg Co of Wausau as president and director until 1980. After August 9, he will continue to serve on the company's board of directors as an outside director.
With Marion Body growing, Jim Simpson and Curt Ignacio, both of whom had successful careers underway in Chicago IL and San Jose CA, respectively, relocated with their wives to the Marion-Clintonville area, joining the company in 1988. Each progressed through various assignments to become vice-presidents. In 1993, the board elected Jim president and chief executive officer and Curt president and chief operating officer.
