Empire/EMCO, Inc. has named Gary R. Ashe as its National Director of Consumer Innovation. Gary, who previously served as Director of OEM Accounts at FXI Foamex Innovations, will be collaborating with Empire/EMCO's national network of sales representatives and customers, facilitating new product development strategies and in the creation of innovative solutions.

"There is incredible opportunity for Empire/EMCO to pioneer product specific solutions for its customers," noted Gary M. Burns, President of Empire/EMCO, Inc.  "Gary's comprehensive understanding of plastics technology, sales and marketing, as well as his passion for market success through intellectual property will greatly benefit Empire/EMCO in providing creative, innovative approaches that support service to our sales network and clients."  Empire/EMCO, a national packaging supplier which provides custom packaging solutions to its customers, recently patented its "Flip Tip^TM" closure.

Thriving on creating value between products and consumers, Gary has helped leading global consumer products accounts envision the future of brand innovation for over 25 years.  Gary is a recipient of numerous accolades, awards and patents for consumer products such as Procter &Gamble's Mr. Clean^® Magic Eraser^®, Crayola^® No-Mess, BIC^® Wite Out^®, Lysol^® and many others; as well as a frequent facilitator on such topics as Creative Thinking, Innovation Process, Design Strategies and Consumer Branding.