Douglas Dynamics Appoints New President of Work Truck Attachments
Experienced Midwest Manufacturing Leader Chris Bernauer Joins the Company to Lead its Commercial Snow & Ice Control Operations
MILWAUKEE, Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Douglas Dynamics, Inc. (NYSE: PLOW), North America’s premier manufacturer and upfitter of work truck attachments and equipment, today announced the appointment of Chris Bernauer as President of Work Truck Attachments, effective February 28, 2025.
During his career, Bernauer has gained extensive experience in manufacturing, engineering, product development, sales and marketing, and dealer engagement, primarily in the automotive, motorcycle and marine sectors. Most recently, he served as President & CEO of Temperature Systems Inc. Prior to that, he was President of Harris & Cypress Cay Pontoons, a division of Brunswick Corporation, and held a variety of roles at the Harley-Davidson Motor Company.
“Chris is a dynamic leader who has successfully led large multinational teams as well as small, entrepreneurial units, consistently delivering strong financial and operational performance,” said Mark Van Genderen, Chief Operating Officer of Douglas Dynamics. “With over 30 years of experience in the manufacturing sector, he has been instrumental in developing and launching several award-winning products, while cultivating positive and collaborative cultures that align well with our approach at Douglas Dynamics. His broad expertise and new perspectives will be invaluable as we explore our significant opportunities in the years ahead.”
Incoming President of Work Truck Attachments, Chris Bernauer, noted, “I am excited to be joining an organization with the incomparable pedigree and reputation of Douglas Dynamics. The company’s commitment to quality, innovation, and continuous improvement is second to none, and I look forward to collaborating with the talented commercial snow and ice control team to build on its remarkable legacy and create a strong future for the business.”
Based in Milwaukee and reporting to Chief Operating Officer Mark Van Genderen, Bernauer will manage all facets of Work Truck Attachments, including strategy, operations, and new product development. This appointment underscores the company’s commitment to advancing its market-leading position, achieving operational excellence, and delivering sustainable, profitable performance.
Bernauer takes over the President of Work Truck Attachments role from Mark Van Genderen, who is now focusing on his responsibilities as Chief Operating Officer of Douglas Dynamics. Serving in that role since September 2024, Van Genderen will continue to oversee both of the company’s reporting segments, while working closely with Chairman and Interim President & CEO, Jim Janik, and EVP and CFO, Sarah Lauber, to set the company’s strategic direction.
Chris Bernauer bio
From mid-2023 until recently, Bernauer served as President and CEO of Temperature Systems, Inc., a HVAC/R distribution company in Madison, Wisconsin. Prior to Temperature Systems, Bernauer was President of Harris & Cypress Cay Pontoons, a division of Brunswick Corporation, based in Fort Wayne, Indiana. During his three-year tenure, he significantly improved the company’s top-line growth and profitability.
Bernauer spent a total of 18 years at the Harley-Davidson Motor Company. From 1996 to 2007 he held various roles in powertrain development and product management, ultimately serving as Platform Director for the Sportster platform. During his second tenure, from 2013 to 2020, he took on several key corporate positions, including General Manager of Dealer Development & Consulting.
In 2007, Bernauer joined the Indian Motorcycle Company as Executive Vice President, General Manager & Vice President of Sales, helping regenerate the company in a start-up situation. Chris began his career as a Manufacturing Quality Specialist at Toyota Motor Manufacturing from 1993 to 1996.
Bernauer completed a B.S, Mechanical Engineering degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and received an M.B.A from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. He is currently a member of the Board of Advisors at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Erdman Center for Technology and Operations.
For further information contact:
Douglas Dynamics, Inc.
Nathan Elwell
Vice President of Investor Relations
847-530-0249
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
