Barry-Wehmiller appoints Kyle Chapman as new CEO 

USA – Barry-Wehmiller, a 140-year-old global provider of industrial and packaging automation solutions, has named Kyle Chapman as its new chief executive officer, effective immediately. 

The US$3.6 billion company, which also offers professional services and life sciences technologies, announced the change on October 1, 2025. 

Kyle Chapman, who joined the firm in 2009, will retain his position as president while taking on the CEO responsibilities.

The leadership shift marks a generational handover within the Chapman family, which has guided the company since 1957. 

William A. Chapman became president that year after four years with the firm, and ownership passed to the family in 1963. 

His son, Bob Chapman, entered the business in 1969 and assumed the CEO role in 1975 following his father’s unexpected death. 

Bob, now 76, will remain as chairman of the board and majority shareholder. In a statement, he described the move as a key step in the company’s ongoing evolution. 

He noted that his father never witnessed his own leadership tenure, adding a personal layer to the decision.

“Our main duty remains creating a workplace where employees find purpose, security, and trust in our collective path forward,” Bob Chapman said. 

He highlighted Kyle’s contributions over the years and emphasized their continued collaboration as family members and leaders of more than 12,000 team members worldwide. 

The pair aims to demonstrate how business operations can generate both financial gains and employee well-being.

Kyle Chapman arrives at the top role with extensive experience in private equity and operations, spanning over 25 years. 

Early in his career at Banc of America Capital Investors, he managed about US$300 million in deals across multiple sectors. 

At Barry-Wehmiller, he co-founded BW Forsyth Partners in 2009, a hybrid equity entity now valued at over US$850 million. 

This venture combines the company’s cultural practices and long-term strategies with private equity methods. 

From 2015 to 2019, Kyle advised the leadership team on financial matters, helping drive performance improvements and cultural focus. He served as interim CFO in 2020 before becoming president.

“I’m grateful for the solid groundwork laid by my father and his teams,” Kyle Chapman stated.

He expressed dedication to advancing the company’s approach, proving that strong profits can coexist with employee priorities. 

Under his guidance, Barry-Wehmiller plans to maintain its emphasis on innovative packaging automation that reduces waste and supports eco-friendly materials, serving clients in food, beverage, and pharmaceuticals.

This transition occurs amid growing demand for sustainable solutions in the packaging sector.

Recent industry data shows global investments in green automation reaching US$15 billion in 2025, with firms like Barry-Wehmiller expanding operations in the Middle East and Africa to meet regional needs for recyclable systems. 

The company’s tools help manufacturers cut plastic use by up to 40% through precise filling and sealing technologies.

 As Chapman steps in, Barry-Wehmiller targets further growth in these areas, including partnerships for biodegradable alternatives.

Bob Chapman added that the firm will keep prioritizing practical steps to enhance sustainability without sacrificing efficiency. 

With Kyle’s financial expertise, the company expects to accelerate acquisitions in green tech, building on recent deals that added US$200 million in revenue from low-emission machinery lines. 

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