Battery manufacturer Exide Technologies, Milton, Georgia, has announced the hiring of two skilled executives to lead the company’s efforts to upgrade its Vernon, California, battery recycling facility.

The company has named Thomas Strang to the position of vice president, Environment Health & Safety – Americas; and Charles Giesige, vice president of recycling operations - Americas.

Strang will be responsible for developing and managing regulatory compliance programs at the Vernon operation and other Exide locations. He also will oversee the upgrades for the company's Vernon recycling facility. He joined Exide on May 5.

Giesige, who joins the company on June 16, will lead the strategic oversight and operations of the Exide Americas recycling division, including the management of plant purchasing, productivity, quality and logistics functions.

In coordination with Strang, Giesige will develop policies and programs to enhance environmental compliance for the company.

"Tom and Chuck will drive a strong health and safety vision and culture at Exide," says Robert Caruso, president and CEO of Exide Technologies. "They bring fresh perspectives and high levels of expertise to lead our efforts to upgrade our Vernon facility."

"The Exide Vernon facility is one of only two battery recycling plants west of the Rockies and plays an important role in California's green economy. Not only are we are focused on completing the $5 million in improvements that will make this recycling center a premier facility, we're helping to ensure the health and safety of our employees and local residents. We look forward to resuming our operations and getting our employees back to work as soon as the project is completed and tested," Caruso adds.