Precision Roll Grinders — the World's premier roll and cylindrical shaft grinding and servicing company
Able to provide the tightest tolerances in the world, as fine as 20 millionths of an inch, PRG provides unmatched value and service. Collectively, our exceptional people, world-class processes and proprietary equipment and technology allow us to ensure that each roll leaving our facility will maximize runtimes, minimize maintenance expenses and keep product quality high.
Our history
Precision Roll Grinders was founded in 1969 for the purpose of providing high-quality roll grinding and surface finishes to American customers. These customers previously had to send their rolls to Germany to attain the required exacting results. 50 years later, we proudly remain dedicated to providing customers with world-class service. PRG has earned a reputation for value and excellence that extends to all four corners of the globe.
FOUR locations to efficiently handle your grinding needs
With four locations to service customers world-wide, Precision Roll Grinders continues to provide best-in-class roll and cylindrical shaft grinding and servicing. Our founding principles persist. PRG provides the tightest geometric tolerances with dependability, integrity and value. Our commitment to exceeding client expectations is matched only by our commitment to keeping our people, processes and equipment the best in the world.
Al Schroader - General Manager, Lewisport, Kentucky
Precision Roll Grinders tapped Al to be general manager of its Lewisport, Kentucky site in 2021. He has been part of the team in Lewisport since 1997, where he has developed over 25 years of experience in services related to the tight tolerance rotating equipment and heavy industrial rolling applications business. He began as a grinder operator/lead person and then became a shift supervisor, account manager and most recently general supervisor, before becoming general manager. He now leads Lewisport with responsibility for all operational aspects and customer relations, including human and technical resource management, efficiency, safety and effectiveness.
He has an associate’s degree in automated manufacturing and machining from Kentucky Community & Technical College System in Owensboro, and a bachelor of science degree in technology management from Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green. Al also holds a certificate in machine tool technology from Kentucky Tech in Owensboro. He serves as a member of the Industrial Advisory Board for Western Kentucky University.
Thomas Kozlusky - Applications Sales Engineer
Thomas joined Precision Roll Grinders full time in 2026 as an Applications Sales Engineer after completing a summer internship with the company. In his role, he combines his background in mathematics and engineering with data-driven analysis to support Precision’s applications research and sales efforts. He works with customers to evaluate manufacturing processes and demonstrate how greater grinding precision can contribute to improved product quality, consistency, efficiency, and overall production performance.
Thomas earned his bachelor of arts in mathematics from Eastern University and is currently pursuing a master of science in mechanical engineering at Villanova University. His academic background includes advanced studies in calculus, differential equations, numerical methods, physics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and other engineering disciplines. He also has experience with Python, MATLAB, AutoCAD, and other engineering and analytical software.
While in college, Thomas was a member of the Eastern Engineering Society, served as Treasurer of the Sigma Zeta Honor Society, and competed in NCAA Division III baseball. His academic achievements include recognition on the Dean’s List and Academic All-MAC honors.
Owen Bishop - Applications Engineer
Owen joined Precision Roll Grinders as an Applications Engineer, bringing a strong background in mechanical engineering, research, design, and data analysis. In his role, he applies his technical and analytical skills to support Precision’s research initiatives and help demonstrate the impact that greater grinding precision can have on product quality, manufacturing consistency, efficiency, and overall production performance.
Prior to joining Precision, Owen gained hands-on engineering experience as a Structural Engineering Intern at Lehigh University’s ATLSS Engineering Research Center, where his work included engineering calculations, structural testing, instrumentation, technical documentation, and design using AutoCAD. His academic experience also included an award-winning senior capstone project focused on the development of an advanced head and neck support system for patients with disorders of consciousness.
Owen earned his bachelor of science in mechanical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh. His technical experience includes SolidWorks, MATLAB, AutoCAD, ANSYS, structural analysis, finite element analysis, Python, and C++. Owen recently earned his Six Sigma Green Belt certification, further strengthening his skills in process improvement, problem-solving, and data-driven analysis.
Drew Brady - Applications Engineer
Upon completing his Capstone Internship with Precision Roll Grinders, Drew Brady joined the team in 2024 as an applications engineer. Drew comes to us with an economics major and minors in economic statistics, econometrics, introduction to game theory, and business foundations from the McCombs School of Business, at the University of Texas, Austin. Drew’s main areas of interest are statistics and statistical analysis. He is experienced in Stata statistical software and Python programming language and is currently working toward his Six Sigma Black Belt certification.
As an applications engineer, Drew utilizes his strengths in statistics and statistical analysis to perform six-sigma level research for potential and current customers. This research analyzes the effectiveness of a more precise grind for product quality, manufacturing consistency, efficiency, and profitability. His interests include 0utdoor activities (especially golf) and following sports. Football and European soccer are his favorites.
Caroline Roberts - Applications Engineer
Caroline Roberts is an Applications Engineer with Precision Roll Grinders. She earned her M.S. in Physics and Ph.D. in Astronomy from Georgia State University, as well as her B.S. in Physics from Sewanee: The University of the South. Caroline is currently working toward her Six Sigma Black Belt certification. In her work with PRG, she studies the impact of precision roll grinds on customers’ manufacturing processes, aiming to aid the paper, battery, food, rubber, plastic, metal, and nonwovens industries, among others.
Frances Schmidt - Senior Applications Engineer
Frances joined Precision Roll Grinders in 2022. As a Senior Applications Engineer, she works with customers to conduct objective research and comparative studies that demonstrate the value Precision’s grinding capabilities can bring to manufacturing processes. Her work helps quantify the benefits of grinding rolls to tighter tolerances, including longer roll life, reduced downtime, greater product consistency, and improved production performance. Her diverse professional background includes experience in astrophysics research, operations and inventory control, project management, sales, training, and mathematics tutoring.
Frances earned her bachelor’s degree in physics, classical languages, and mathematics from Sewanee: The University of the South in Tennessee. She is currently pursuing a master of business administration degree at Lehigh University and is working toward her Six Sigma Black Belt certification.
Her interests include gardening, astronomy, cooking, hiking, and aquascaping.
Nick Paxton - General Manager, Texarkana, Arkansas
Nick was appointed General Manager of Precision Roll Grinders’ Texarkana facility in 2023. In this role, he leads all aspects of the facility’s operations, with a focus on safety, quality, efficiency, performance, customer satisfaction, and responsible stewardship. He is also responsible for budgeting, staff development and training, and oversight of the facility’s quality processes.
Prior to joining Precision Roll Grinders, Nick gained more than 20 years of experience in human resources management, manufacturing engineering management, and environmental, health and safety management, as well as experience as a manufacturing engineer and equipment mechanic.
Nick earned a bachelor of science in industrial engineering from the University of Arkansas and holds numerous professional and technical certifications. He is currently pursuing a master of business administration at Texas A&M University.
Active in the Texarkana community, Nick serves on the Board of Directors for United Way of Greater Texarkana. He is also a Past President and former board member of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Texarkana and represents the manufacturing community through the Texarkana Manufacturers Regional Partnership with the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce.
Greg Schmidt - General Manager, Allentown, Pennsylvania
Greg has been with Precision Roll Grinders since 2018, serving first as an applications engineer and then as supervisor of the Allentown facility. In his current position he is tasked with the leadership and optimization of the company’s Lehigh Valley operations. In this pivotal role, he is responsible for the overall performance, productivity, safety, and efficiency of the plant while ensuring the highest level of internal and external customer satisfaction. Greg oversees multi-functional teams across production, quality, and maintenance while driving operational excellence, cost efficiency, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Greg graduated with a bachelor of science degree in science and engineering from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, and with an associate’s degree in general studies from Lord Fairfax Community College in Middletown, both in Virginia. A certified Six Sigma Black Belt, he is currently pursuing a master of business administration degree at Lehigh University. Greg competes in endurance racing and track days with both motorcycles and cars, and is a passionate racing fan, following MotoGP and Formula 1.
Phillip Manley- General Manager, Carrollton, Georgia
Phillip joined Precision Roll Grinders in 2010 as a Technical Planner at the company’s Carrollton, Georgia, facility. In 2018, he was promoted to General Manager of the Texarkana, Arkansas, facility. He relocated to the Lehigh Valley in 2021 to lead Precision’s Allentown facility and, in January 2025, returned to Carrollton to serve as General Manager.
As General Manager, Phillip oversees all aspects of the Carrollton facility’s operations, with a focus on safety, quality, productivity, customer satisfaction, and responsible stewardship. His experience also includes project management, marketing, budgeting, customer relations, and team member development and supervision.
Phillip earned a bachelor of science in aviation business administration from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Matt Harris — Corporate Development Manager
As Corporate Development Manager, Matt leads the Applications Sales Engineering team in executing strategic initiatives, developing long-term corporate partnerships, and supporting the sales team in achieving company objectives. He joined Precision Roll Grinders in 2018 and previously served as an Account Manager and Senior Applications Engineer before advancing to his current role.
A certified Six Sigma Black Belt, Matt has conducted numerous studies in the paper, chocolate, soybean, and rubber industries, demonstrating how greater grinding accuracy can improve product quality and production line performance.
Matt earned a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering from Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York. He also holds a bachelor of arts in physics from the State University of New York and an associate degree in math and science from Clinton Community College, both in Plattsburgh. He is currently pursuing a master of business administration degree at the University of Massachusetts.
Outside of work, Matt is an avid hiker.
Victor Schmidt - Vice President of Human Resources
Victor joined Precision Roll Grinders in 2017. A strategic and innovative human resources executive with more than 30 years of experience, he leads the company’s human resources function, with responsibilities including talent acquisition and development, employee relations, safety and compliance, and community relations. Victor remains active in the HR community as a member and Past President of the Lehigh Valley Chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).
Victor graduated from Widener University with a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management and completed Moravian College’s post-baccalaureate Human Resources Management program. He holds professional certifications from both the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the HR Certification Institute (HRCI).
Larry Butkovich - Vice President of Sales and Marketing
Larry was named vice president of sales and marketing for Precision Roll Grinders in 2022, with responsibility to develop and coordinate strategies, plans, and programs to increase sales and market share, and generate greater brand awareness. He had previously served as vice president of operations. His background includes over 25 years of experience in mechanical engineering and industrial engineering, holding positions from general manager and general manager of operations to lead senior manufacturing and industrial engineer.
Larry holds a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a master of business administration from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. He has authored numerous articles on fast charging stations for electric vehicles in leading industry magazines, and has presented at the annual Electric Drive Transportation Association Conference as well as many Clean Cities Conferences.
Debbie Smalley - Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
Debbie Smalley was named corporate controller for Precision Roll Grinders in 2022 and vice president of finance in 2023. She supports all accounting and financial functions, establishes and implements financial policies, coordinates the company’s financial planning and investment activities, performs financial risk assessments and assists in preparing annual budgets for all four of the company’s sites. Prior to joining Precision Roll Grinders, Debbie had 30 years of experience as a director of finance, regional finance manager, cost accounting manager and accounting manager at a number of companies ranging from small family-owned businesses to nonprofits to global brands. She has also taught as an adjunct professor at a local community college.
Debbie earned a bachelor of science degree in accounting from DeSales University and holds a master of business administration degree from Kutztown University. A tri-athlete, she serves on the steering committee and as a mentor for First Strides – Allentown. She has served on the board and finance committee of the Minsi Trails Council of the Boy Scouts of America and as the treasurer of Women in the Outdoors – Lehigh Valley, part of the National Wild Turkey Foundation.
Ed Gumina - President and CEO
Ed joined Precision Roll Grinders in 2016 as vice president of operations and was appointed president in 2018. His career includes over 25 years of mechanical engineering experience with expertise in process improvement resulting in increased quality, reduced costs and improved profitability. Past positions have included senior and chief manufacturing engineer and project engineer, director of quality, general and lead supervisor of manufacturing and engineering, and vice president with responsibility for 18 sites across the globe.
Ed holds a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a master of business administration degree from Tiffin University. He has been featured at a number of manufacturing conferences, is a member of Lehigh Valley Professionals, the Precision Machine Occupational Advisory Council, and Lehigh Valley CEO Forum.
Jeferson de Paula Leite - Director of Sales, Latin America
Jeferson was appointed director of sales, Latin America, for Precision Roll Grinders in 2021. He has 25 years of experience as a managing director, Latin American commercial and marketing director, regional and national sales manager, and project coordination engineer. As director of sales, Jeferson oversees new business development and the sales operation in Latin America including identifying key markets, developing and executing key growth strategies and action plans, building and maintaining relationships with current and potential customers, partnering with customers to understand their business needs and objectives, and effectively communicating Precision Roll Grinder’s value proposition. He also tracks emerging and changing trends and economic indicators.
Jefferson has a degree in mechanical engineering from FEI (Faculdade de Engenharia Industrial) and a post-graduate degree in business administration from FGV (Fundacão Getúlio Vargas), both in São Paulo, Brazil. He holds a technical diploma in mechanics from EFTSP (Escola Técnica Federal de São Paulo). He is fluent in Portuguese, Spanish and English, and speaks German.
Fran Sweenor - Senior Applications Engineer
With over 32 years of experience in the pulp and paper industry, Fran joined Precision Roll Grinders in 2019 as a sales account manager for Georgia/Florida, and has rejoined Precision in 2023, as a senior applications engineer. As an applications engineer, he works with customers and prospective customers to research the potential value of partnering with Precision for more accurate roll grinding. More accurate grinds result in more efficient operations, higher quality products, lower maintenance expenses, and improved performance of the line. These improvements translate directly to a demonstrable and quantifiable increase in the bottom line. Fran previously served as a paper mill superintendent over six machines in the industry, paper manufacturing division manager, asset manager, complex manager and shift manager, and process engineer.
Fran graduated with a bachelor of science degree in pulp and paper engineering from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse, and with an associate degree in engineering science from Adirondack Community College in Queensbury, New York. Fran enjoys residential home construction and outdoor activities.
PRG - Unrivaled Quality
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