NEW KENSINGTON, PA-West Penn Testing Group, a provider of nondestructive testing and material testing services, has appointed James C. DeChellis, formerly vice president/COO of West Penn, to the role of president and COO.

West Penn Testing reports that advances in numerous nondestructive testing technologies, as well as changes in the regulatory environment of multiple markets, have created a need for the company to respond.

"Bringing new technologies and capabilities on line is challenging," says N. David Campbell, West Penn's chairman and CEO. "In light of the progress of phased array ultrasonic testing in aerospace, waveform-capture DGS ultrasonic testing in energy, and new materials-testing requirements for implant components in the medical manufacturing sector, it is critical for West Penn to develop strong leaders who can stake out a competitive position for the company in important market segments."

According to Campbell, since DeChellis joined West Penn Testing in 1997, the company's workforce has tripled in size and the number of plants in the West Penn network has grown from one to three.