Universal Forest Products promotes two execs

Universal Forest Products promoted two company veterans to new leadership roles in its eastern division: Patrick Benton and Jonathan West have been promoted to the new roles of executive VP of the North and South, respectively. The appointments are effective immediately.

The move is intended to bolster leadership and foster continued growth and success of UFP Eastern Division, a busy and growing territory that includes operations primarily east of the Mississippi River, the company said.

“The exciting growth of our operations in the East and the numerous facilities in the division prompted us to make moves that will best accommodate business and opportunity today and nurture continued growth,” said CEO Matthew J. Missad. “We are excited about giving these two strong leaders responsibility for the growth and success of their respective territories. We have every confidence they’ll use their vast experience and skills to create new energy for their businesses, new opportunities for their people, and exciting growth for the companies of Universal.”

Both Benton and West will report to COO Pat Webster.

Benton joined Universal in 1993 as a production trainee in Saginaw, Texas. He held positions of increasing responsibility there and in Schertz, New Waverly and Houston, Texas. In 2008, he was promoted to the position he held before his promotion: VP operations in South Texas.

West joined Universal in 1994 as a sales trainee in Salisbury, North Carolina. He was promoted to positions of increasing responsibility in Salisbury and New London, North Carolina; and Ashburn, Georgia, and in 2007, to regional VP of the Southeast, the position he held before his promotion.