BATAVIA, Ohio — June 17th 2026 —IES Infrastructure is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Branson as General Manager of Freeman Enclosure Systems, a leading manufacturer of large-scale generator enclosures and heavy fabricated metal assemblies.
Branson brings more than 20 years of manufacturing and operations leadership experience across both large-scale production environments and privately held manufacturing organizations. Throughout his career, he has led high-volume manufacturing operations with workforces exceeding over 300 employees and has demonstrated a strong track record of improving operational performance, safety, quality, and cost efficiency. His expertise includes operations management, facilities and maintenance leadership, capital planning, environmental health and safety (EH&S), workforce development, and continuous improvement through Lean Manufacturing and World Class Manufacturing (WCM) methodologies.
In his new role, Richard will oversee all operations at Freeman Enclosure Systems’ Batavia manufacturing facility, including production, safety, quality, supply chain management, engineering coordination, and financial performance. He will be responsible for driving operational excellence, supporting strategic growth initiatives, and ensuring the continued delivery of high-quality products and exceptional customer service.
As General Manager, Branson will lead initiatives focused on:
- Driving operational excellence across fabrication, welding, machining, finishing, and final assembly operations
- Strengthening safety performance and reinforcing a culture of workplace safety
- Improving manufacturing efficiency, productivity, and on-time delivery performance
- Leading continuous improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives
- Developing and mentoring high-performing operations, engineering, quality, and supply chain teams
- Enhancing customer satisfaction through consistent quality and reliable execution
- Supporting strategic growth objectives and long-term business performance
“Richard’s leadership experience, operational expertise, and commitment to continuous improvement make him an excellent fit for this role,” said Mike Rice, President of IES Infrastructure. “We are confident he will help strengthen our operations, support our customers, and position the business for long-term success.”
As General Manager, Branson will focus on enhancing manufacturing efficiency, advancing safety performance, strengthening customer relationships, and driving strategic initiatives that support the company’s growth objectives. He will also lead efforts to optimize operations, improve productivity, and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and employee engagement throughout the organization.