Our Team
PRESIDENT
STEVE CRANE
With family history deeply rooted in tool and die, Steve Crane began working for the family business in 1964 while in high school, back when the company was known as R.B. Crane and Sons Inc. Steve used to run a surface grinder that was set up to modify punches and dies. From 1967 to 1969 Steve was educated by the US Army, and spent some time in Vietnam. During this period he learned to disassemble and reconstruct Cobra helicopters. In 1972, Steve graduated from the Milwaukee School of Engineering with majors in mechanical engineering and business management. After graduation Steve became President of the company, and built up the product line and sales team. Later, Steve became the company’s first installer. Today, Steve remains President of the company, and ensures that the company offers superior customer service. In his words, “We have a legacy of machinery that we sold and continue to service. We are set up to continue serving the needs of our manufacturing companies.”
SALES TEAM
GARY MATTHIES
VP SALES
Gary started his career with Crane in 1976 as a sales engineer. With a focus on punch presses, coil feeding equipment, press automation, and material handling, Gary has participated in numerous technical training programs to meet the changing demands of the industry. His experience and expertise assists customers in selecting and implementing the most productive equipment for their applications. In 1986 Gary was promoted to V.P. of sales, and he continues to lead the company in sales and marketing endeavors.
MIKE REYNOLDS
SALES ENGINEER
In the 1980s Mike owned and operated a fishing tackle manufacturing firm. During his last year there, the company produced over 1.5 million ice fishing jigs. In 1990 Mike joined Crane, and has since been at the forefront of customer relationship management. Embracing 26 years of experience, Mike strives to provide customers with the best possible solutions for their metal stamping operations.
MICHAEL MASZKA
SALES EXECUTIVE
When Michael began working with Crane Production Systems in 1999, his primary duties included performing new machine installations and servicing existing equipment for customers. In 2004 Michael was promoted to office manager, which required him to handle inside sales and technical support. Throughout his 28 year journey in the industry Michael has taught numerous customer seminars, and has developed an unparalleled proficiency in managing the equipment. In 2016, Michael transitioned to outside sales. He continues to help customers find viable solutions, and assists end users in implementing more efficient business practices.
PAUL RUPPRECHT
SALES ENGINEER
With over 36 years of deep expertise in the metal stamping industry, Paul Rupprecht brings hands-on knowledge from every stage of the process to Crane Production Systems. His journey began with an apprenticeship as a Tool & Die Maker at Rockford Toolcraft in Rockford, Illinois, and has spanned all facets of metal stamping.
Paul honed his skills in feeding and coil handling through inside sales at Rapid-Air Corporation, later advancing to VP of Sales where he developed an international dealer network and gained global experience working abroad. Most recently, as Midwest Sales Engineer for Bruderer Machinery, he provided high-speed stamping solutions to the connector, medical, and consumer industries.
Paul is excited to join Crane Production Systems as we expand our territory across the Upper Midwest, including Minnesota, Iowa, the Dakotas, Nebraska, and beyond. He is committed to delivering objective, effective solutions tailored to your unique needs—helping optimize productivity, reduce downtime, and drive efficiency.
SHAWN LAHA
MATERIAL HANDLING ENGINEER
A part of the Crane team since 2006, Shawn’s history in customer service and inside sales has given him the experiance with conveyors and material handling needed to recommend the correct equipment for the application. Shawn holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
SERVICE TEAM
RANDAL SLOBODNIK
SERVICE MANAGER
With 36 years of experience, Randal began his career in 1980 as a maintenance technician in a manufacturing plant. Soon after, he obtained a managerial role, and was responsible for engineering and maintenance with a focus on metal stamping. Eight years later, Randal joined Crane Production Systems as the service manager. Over the years, he has grown the service department from one service technician to five with his diligence and demand of the industry. Randal is a Marine Corps veteran.
KURT WIRSCHING
LEAD SERVICE & INSTALLATION TECHNICIAN
Kurt has vast knowledge of the metal stamping industry and 21 years of experience. He has participated in multiple training sessions with Crane’s metal stamping suppliers. Kurt began his journey with Crane Production Systems in 1995 as a service tech trainee and has grown to adopt the most efficient installation techniques, reducing downtime for customers. Kurt is a Marine Corps veteran.
ANDY GILSON
SERVICE & INSTALLATION TECHNICIAN
Andy completed an electrical mechanical associates degree from Lakeshore technical college. He has been working in the trades since 2007. His experience includes working with hydraulics, pneumatics, and mostly electronics. Andy’s career has included working with companies that have specialized in high speed web processing, plastic injection, and automation.
JEFF DOBBS
SERVICE & INSTALLATION TECHNICIAN
JEFF DOBBS – SERVICE & INSTALLATION TECHNICIAN
CUSTOMER SERVICE TEAM
CHELSEA CRANE
FINANCE MANAGER
In 2012, Chelsea joined Crane Production Systems as the company’s finance manger. She is responsible for overseeing all accounting functions and transactions within the company. Since joining the Crane family, Chelsea has had the opportunity to work in the shop to learn more about the punch press and material handling side of the business. She has gained hands-on experience making sensors and cutting, welding and painting operating stations.
MEGAN MORENO
INSIDE SALES/CUSTOMER SERVICE
Megan began her journey with Crane Production Systems in 2015. Her duties included assisting with invoicing and accounts receivable. Megan quickly transitioned to inside sales and continues to learn more about Crane and the metal forming industry on a daily basis.
Customer
TESTIMONIALS
Join Our Team
Crane Production Systems is looking for an eager person to join our team as a Field Service Technician.