Methods Vice President of FANUC Products Slated to Retire

In 2018, Saur accepted the role of Vice President of FANUC America Products.

Thomas Saur worked at Methods for nearly 20 years.
Thomas Saur worked at Methods for nearly 20 years.
Methods Machine Tools, Inc.

Methods Machine Tools, Inc., the foremost supplier of high quality CNC tools and automation systems in North America, announced that Thomas Saur is set to retire at the end of the calendar year. 

Saur started at Methods in 2004, establishing and managing the company’s Detroit Technical Center. He played a crucial role during the center’s move from Grand Rapids, Mich. to Wixom, Mich. Saur helped spur unprecedented growth and Detroit Technical Center sales increased sixfold during his tenure  as General Manager. 

Methods Board of Directors also recognized his contributions. Saur is one of the few distinct employees listed as a company Officer. 

“Bringing Thomas on board is something I’ll always be proud of,” said Bryon Deysher, Executive Director of Methods Board of Directors and former company president. “I knew immediately he would  play a pivotal role not only in Michigan but for the entire company.” 

In 2018, Saur accepted the role of Vice President of FANUC America Products. In this position, he streamlined Methods’ FANUC product line while designing and  launching standard automation systems, including the RoboDrill Plus-K, Plus-E, JSC Pro and most recently, the Big Plus-K.  

“Thomas has earned a great deal of respect in every aspect of our company,” Methods President and CEO Mark Wright said. “As a general manager, he trained the next generation of leadership, many of whom hold key positions in our company today. As an executive, he cultivated our unique  relationship with FANUC and European suppliers. As a product manager, he is an innovative automation expert that has designed new solutions, helping countless customers solve complex problems.” 

While Saur imparted incalculable industrial knowledge and a unique customer-focused mindset to team members, many will remember Saur for his sense of humor and camaraderie. 

“Thomas has the analytical mind of a supercomputer – his commitment to customers and his willingness to prioritize their needs are second to none,” added Kevin Fite, General Manager of Methods’ Detroit Technical Center. "At the same time, he's a natural leader with an enormous capacity for generosity. He always took care of his team and knew when to step in and lend a hand.” 

For Saur's part, he said the combination of people and technology kept him at Methods for nearly 20 years. 

“Working with the best technology and machine tool builders in the industry was a very rewarding experience,” Saur said. “But products come and go, it’s the unique atmosphere at Methods, the  people I saw every day and the problems we solved that I’ll remember and appreciate the most.” 

www.methodsmachine.com

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