Ridge names Justin Bell product engineering director

Ridge Corporation hired Justin L. Bell as Product Engineering Director on Oct. 15, bringing 22 years of experience in trailer and heavy transportation manufacturing. The move is aimed at strengthening product development, customer support and new transportation product design.

Why it matters: - Ridge is adding a senior engineering leader with deep experience in transportation manufacturing. - The hire is meant to support product updates and new development for OEMs and end users. - Ridge is leaning on Bell’s background to improve transportation products and expand solution development.

What happened: - Ridge Corporation named Justin L. Bell as Product Engineering Director on Oct. 15, 2026. - Bell brings 22 years of experience in engineering and operations in the trailer and heavy transportation manufacturing industry. - His career includes leadership roles at Fruehauf, Strick Trailers and Kentucky Trailer. - Bell previously served as Vice President of Operations at Kentucky Trailer.

The details: - Bell will lead Ridge’s Product Development and Applications Engineering teams for transportation products. - His role includes working with OEMs and end users to implement and improve existing Ridge products. - Bell will also help develop new solutions using Ridge’s materials, manufacturing processes and engineering expertise. - Ridge is based in Pataskala, Ohio. - Ridge describes itself as an engineering-driven manufacturer of polypropylene-based, unidirectional fiber reinforced composite materials and engineered solutions for transportation, truck/trailer, final-mile and marine markets. - Ridge’s product portfolio includes TransCore®, SolarX®, SolarX® VCR, TransCore CC®, PolarX® and DymondPly®. - Ridge says its production facilities use more than 500,000 square feet of manufacturing space. - Ridge says that space supports products designed to help customers build lighter, stronger and more efficient products. - More information is available on Ridge’s website.

Between the lines: - The hire points to Ridge’s focus on practical product development rather than a pure sales or marketing expansion. - Bell’s mix of operations and engineering experience suggests Ridge wants tighter coordination between manufacturing, product design and customer needs. - Bell’s comments frame the move as a continuation of long industry relationships rather than a jump into a new sector.

What's next: - Bell is expected to work with Ridge teams and customers on product improvements and new transportation solutions. - Ridge is likely to use the role to accelerate development tied to its existing materials and manufacturing capabilities. - The company did not announce a timeline for new products or launches.

The bottom line: - Ridge is betting that an experienced transportation manufacturing executive can help sharpen its product pipeline and customer-facing engineering work.