Obsidian Manufacturing Unveils Leadership Restructure to Drive Growth and Support Long-Term Vision

Contact: Ben Nordman, Director of Sales & Marketing, bnordman@obsidianmfg.com, 815-962-8700

Rockford, IL – Obsidian Manufacturing Industries, Inc., the OEM behind respected American industrial legacy brands, is proud to announce a formal leadership restructure effective July 7, 2025. This strategic realignment reflects the company’s growth as a family business and reinforces its long-term vision rooted in over 300 years of combined manufacturing excellence.

The restructure includes significant leadership transitions aimed at strengthening the company’s foundation, advancing the family’s succession plan, and enhancing focus on customer experience, innovation, and operational execution.

David Nordman, Vice-President and lifelong contributor to the company’s brands, will transition into a consultative role. With deep experience in engineering, sales, and OEM product development, David will now serve as an advisor to both the sales and engineering teams.

“Throughout my entire career, I’ve most enjoyed new product development and solving customers’ unique workholding problems,” said David Nordman. “I’m looking forward to transitioning my day-to-day duties to my sons, allowing me to focus more on what I enjoy most. I’m completely confident this will be a smooth transition for our customers and vendors.”

---

Ben Nordman will step into a larger leadership position as Director of Sales & Marketing. In this role, he will oversee sales and marketing operations while coordinating closely with engineering and production teams to streamline product delivery and enhance customer satisfaction.

“I’m eager to take on a larger role working with products that my family has worked with since the 1960s,” said Ben Nordman (above). "Having worked at Obsidian since high school, I've had the pleasure of learning from a wide variety of people that are experts in their roles from salespeople to machine operators to engineers and I appreciate everyone that has had an impact on me. We are in a unique position to provide true service to manufacturers as a company that is leaned on for David's expertise by customers and even some competitors. I look forward to continuing what my family has started."

---

Matt Nordman’s role will expand to Purchasing & Inventory Manager, building on over a decade of experience with the company. His deep understanding of inventory systems, vendor relationships, and product knowledge will be instrumental in optimizing Obsidian’s supply chain and operational efficiency.

Susanne Nordman, majority stockholder since 2018, will continue to serve as President and CEO, guiding daily operations while maintaining the company’s strategic vision and long-term direction.

These leadership transitions mark an exciting new chapter in Obsidian’s history, as the company continues to evolve while honoring its family roots and commitment to excellence.

Obsidian Manufacturing Industries, Inc. is a family-owned, certified WOSB manufacturing company and is the OEM for Magna-Lock USA workholding, MagnaLift & Power-Grip lift magnets, and Arter Precision Grinding Machines as well providing surface grinding services. They are located at 5015 28th Ave. in Rockford, Ill. with a phone number of 815-962-8700. Check out more at obsidianmfg.com/brands.