Key technology announces the appointment of dr. Michael nichols as senior director of research and development. Nichols is responsible for extending the company&rsquos leadership position by implementing programs to develop and acquire new technologies that add value to customers in the food processing and pharmaceutical manufacturing industries.&ldquokey is focused on solving customers&rsquo production challenges. We invest significant resources to develop technology and equipment solutions that help customers improve product safety and quality while reducing operating costs,&rdquo noted david camp, president and ceo of key technology. &ldquotaking the lead in research and development, nichols&rsquo initial objectives are to reduce new product timetomarket and implement processes and procedures to assure that the highest quality equipment and software are designed.&rdquonichols comes to key from planar systems, inc. Where he worked for over 15 years and held numerous positions of increasing responsibility including quality assurance manager, director of manufacturing, director of sustaining engineering & customer service, and director of engineering. Most recently, he was director of operations for planar&rsquos command and control systems division. Prior to joining planar systems, nichols was with tektronix from 1976 to 1994. Nichols earned his doctoral degree in chemical engineering from the university of california, berkeley.&ldquokey is a respected market leader known worldwide for innovative design, quality engineering, and excellent customer service. I am excited to join this team and contribute to expanding the company&rsquos product offering,&rdquo said nichols. &ldquomy objective is to help key get further ahead of the curve in satisfying the evolving needs of food processors and pharmaceutical manufacturers around the world.&rdquo
