Birmingham Manufacturer Names New Senior Vice President
Birmingham, AL—A significant change has occurred at one of Birmingham’s longstanding manufacturing companies, O’Neal Industries (ONI). The company announced the promotion of Tate Forrester to senior vice president and chief development officer. In his new role, Forrester will focus on overseeing strategic investments and planning, lead the mergers and acquisitions strategy, and manage the business development and communication teams within the company.
Forrester has an extensive history with O’Neal Industries. Prior to this promotion, he held the position of president and CEO at O’Neal Steel, the flagship company of ONI. His previous role included serving as vice president of sales and marketing, where he took part in various initiatives that significantly supported company growth.
Achievements and Contributions
During his tenure at O’Neal Steel, Forrester played a pivotal role in spearheading a notable $2.6 million capital investment in manufacturing equipment in 2022, which was aimed at expanding operational capacity. This expansion was expected to create six new jobs, including three material handlers and three machine operators. His leadership even garnered him recognition through honors such as the Birmingham Business Journal’s CEO Awards program.
In his new position, Forrester will focus on guiding ONI’s efforts in key areas that are essential for future growth. The company has noted that his extensive experience within different divisions of ONI—the Industrial Metals Group and the High-Performance Metals Group—will serve him well in executing the company’s long-term strategy.
Education and Background
Forrester is well-equipped for his new responsibilities, holding a Bachelor of Arts degree from Vanderbilt University and an MBA from the University of Texas. Before joining ONI in 2009, he garnered valuable experience working in investment banking, providing him with a robust financial background that complements his manufacturing expertise.
Community Engagement
Outside of his corporate responsibilities, Forrester remains active in the Birmingham community. He is involved with several organizations including Prosper Birmingham, the Monday Morning Quarterback Club, and Kiwanis. Recently, he was also added to the Central Alabama Market Board of Oakworth Bank in 2023, highlighting his commitment to local leadership and community service.
Looking Ahead
As Tate Forrester steps into his new role, ONI’s Chairman and CEO, Craft O’Neal, expressed confidence in his abilities, stating, “Tate’s leadership experience at our flagship organization, his strong financial background, his focus on technology adoption and his strategic acumen uniquely position him to guide ONI’s efforts in these critical areas.”
With Forrester at the helm of business development and strategic planning, O’Neal Industries looks to continue its legacy as a key player in the manufacturing sector while responding to the ever-evolving demands of the market.
Stay tuned for further updates from ONI and to see how Forrester’s new leadership influences the company’s strategic objectives in the near future.
