AC Horn Manufacturing, Dallas, has appointed Robert Hays to the newly created position of chief operating officer. He is responsible for improving company operations and leading new product development, and reports directly to Michael Douglas Horn Jr., AC Horn president.

“Bob brings a long history of successful leadership and business development to the company,” says Horn. “My goal is to grow the company into a global leader in nuts and popcorn equipment manufacturing, and Bob will be an integral part of achieving that goal.”

Prior to joining AC Horn, Hays served as executive vice president operations, unit president and division president in the commercial furnishings segment of Leggett & Platt Inc. During his career, he developed a broad global perspective completing an acquisition and leading a joint venture in China, as well as business development efforts across Europe and Asia, growing sales from $7 million to $47 million in one of his assignments.

AC Horn specializes in processing equipment for the snack food industry.