Atlas Machine & Supply Announces New Chief Executive Officer: Erick Lawson

LOUISVILLE, KY — November 2025 — Atlas Machine & Supply, Inc., a fourth-generation, family-owned industrial service company headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, proudly announces a key leadership transition that reflects both the company’s deep heritage and its continued commitment to growth and excellence.

After more than a decade of leadership as President and Chief Executive Officer, Richie Gimmel has transitioned into the role of Chairman of the Board, where he will focus on long-term strategy, fiscal responsibility, and preserving the mission and values that have guided Atlas since 1907. Richie will also continue to maintain full ownership of the company, ensuring that Atlas remains a family-owned business committed to its founding purpose and principles.

Succeeding him as Chief Executive Officer is Erick Lawson, who previously served as Chief Operating Officer (COO) and has held various leadership roles across the organization for more than a decade. Lawson now becomes the first non-family member to lead Atlas in its 118-year history, marking an important milestone in the company’s continued evolution while maintaining the legacy and principles that define it.

Honoring a Legacy of Leadership

Richie Gimmel’s journey with Atlas began long before his tenure as CEO. He started working in the shop as a teenager, learning the business from the ground up, painting, cleaning, and assisting machinists. After gaining experience in other industries, he returned to Atlas in 2007, stepping into leadership roles that ultimately prepared him to succeed his father, Rich Gimmel, as President and CEO in 2013.

Under Richie’s leadership, Atlas Machine & Supply experienced transformative growth. The company expanded its regional and national footprint, launched new service divisions, invested heavily in technology and equipment, and strengthened its reputation as a trusted partner across machining, repair, field service, and compressed air systems.

Throughout this growth, Richie remained focused on one guiding purpose: to ensure Atlas always put people first.

“While the company has changed, I have worked hard to keep the purpose of Atlas the same, putting people over profits, treating each other with kindness, and doing the right thing for our customers,” Richie shared. “These changes will help ensure Atlas remains healthy and true to our mission long into the future.”

As Chairman and sole owner, Richie will continue to provide strategic oversight and governance, ensuring that Atlas remains financially sound, true to its values, and prepared for future generations of leadership and innovation.

Continuing the Atlas Story

New CEO Erick Lawson brings broad experience, deep operational knowledge, and a people-centered leadership style to his new role. Since joining Atlas over a decade ago, Lawson has led initiatives across safety, human resources, technology, operations, and culture, playing a central role in strengthening company systems and supporting the teams that power Atlas’s success. His background in safety has shaped his leadership approach, emphasizing accountability, communication, and a deep commitment to protecting the well-being of every employee.

As Chief Operating Officer, Lawson oversaw companywide operations and worked closely with executive leaders across Machining & Repair, Field Services, and Industrial Products to align business performance with Atlas’s strategic goals. His approach combines process discipline with servant leadership, always emphasizing teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.

“Leading Atlas is both an honor and a responsibility,” Lawson said. “This company’s story was built by generations who believed that people, not products, define success. Our mission does not change. We will continue to be Powered by People, guided by humility, discipline, teamwork, and a relentless commitment to doing what is right.”

Lawson expressed gratitude to Richie for his mentorship and trust, noting that this transition represents not a departure from tradition but an evolution of it, a passing of the torch that ensures Atlas continues to grow while staying rooted in the values that have defined it for more than a century.

Leadership for the Next Century

Atlas’s transition reflects a deliberate and thoughtful succession designed to ensure long-term strength and stability. With a leadership team that includes Harold Morgan, President of Machining and Repair; Dave Sullivan, President of the Industrial Products Group; and Lisa Rock, Chief Financial Officer, Atlas remains well-positioned to serve its customers and employees with excellence and integrity.

Together, the executive leadership team is committed to driving operational excellence, supporting employee development, and continuing to expand Atlas’s presence across industries and regions.

“Erick has earned the trust and respect of people across every level of the company,” Richie said. “His steady leadership, his understanding of our business, and his deep belief in our people make him the right person to lead Atlas into its next chapter.”

A Company Powered by People

As Atlas enters this new phase, its purpose remains clear: to provide meaningful work that creates opportunity for employees, families, and customers alike. The company’s enduring strength lies not only in its machines or capabilities, but in the skill, character, and dedication of its people.

From machinists and field technicians to engineers, administrators, and sales professionals, every individual contributes to a shared story, one that continues to evolve but never loses sight of its roots.

“Atlas exists because of the people who make it what it is,” Lawson said. “Our success will always be measured by the pride, craftsmanship, and care that our teams bring to every job. Together, we will carry forward a legacy built on service, trust, and excellence.”