FRD USA names new president

Sato (left) and Crane

Furukawa Rock Drill (FRD) USA, a manufacturer of rock drills, hydraulic breakers and other attachments, named Michael Sato as the company’s new president.

Sato’s appointment follows the retirement of Jeff Crane, who served FRD for more than 45 years, including most recently as president. Crane will remain a senior advisor to FRD, reporting to Sato.

Sato, who joined the company in 1990, has served in a variety of positions at FRD. Most recently, he served as managing director for FRD.India, and before that he served as executive vice president of FRD.USA from 2009 to 2015.

Crane began his career at FRD in 1974 as a draftsman in the Bonnot Engineering Division of Gougler Industries, which later became Japanese-owned Furukawa Rock Drill in 1990. Crane also served as salesman, national sales manager and general manager before ultimately being promoted to president and CEO.

“Jeff has been an integral part of FRD.USA’s success, helping us become one of the industry’s leading rock drill and attachment manufacturers,” Sato says. “We are thankful that he will stay on to serve as a senior advisor, as he has a wealth of knowledge to offer.”