MONTREAL - Stephen Thacker has been appointed director of sales for North America by Meta Vision Systems Inc. (Montreal). The company designs and manufactures laser- and camera-based systems for automating production processes, notably welding.

Thacker offers a wealth of commercial experience in the machine vision industry, having worked with Modular Vision Systems in Montreal prior to its acquisition by Meta in 1999, remaining with the company through 2002. He was subsequently employed in several business development roles in engineering software.

Helder Soares, general manager of Meta’s Canadian operation, “Over the past few years, Meta has developed a strong position worldwide in providing industry, particularly the energy sector, with laser seam tracking. This success has been based on developing a detailed understanding of the needs of each customer, such as pipe mill operators and manufacturers of pressure vessels and wind towers.

“Whilst we are already building momentum in the North American market, adding strategic sales expertise at this time will help us to continue driving the business forward. Given Steve’s knowledge of our products and his background in the industry, he was the ideal choice for the job and we are pleased to have him aboard.”