Richard “Rich” Ryan, president and CEO of Dorner Mfg. Corp., died in a motorcycle accident Saturday, Sept. 8, while traveling in the western United States. He was 59 years old.

According to a statement on the conveyor manufacturer's website, he began his career with Dorner in October 2005, when he was hired as its COO. He held that position until this past June, when he was appointed president and CEO following the company’s acquisition by Pittsburgh-based Incline Equity Partners.

“Rich’s leadership piloted Dorner to more than doubling its sales despite the recent economic downturn,” the company said in a statement. “In tribute to Rich and the business he helped to build, Dorner will move forward, saddened by the tragic loss, and yet heartened that we were touched by his insightful leadership. Rich’s legacy will live on in our daily business activities.”

Ryan was also a member of the PMMI board of directors and was active in the association.

"Our hearts and prayers go out to Rich's family and friends, and to the people fortunate enough to have worked with him every day at Dorner," says PMMI Chairman Nick Wilson, president of Morrison Container Handling Solutions. "This is a tragic loss and it leaves a void in PMMI and the industry."

Ryan also served on PMMI’s Business Intelligence Committee and was active in the 2011 Long Range Planning/Strategic Vision process.

“He contributed to PMMI as it is today, and helped to design and shape the PMMI of the future,” Wilson adds.

He is survived by his wife, Denise, and his two sons, Timothy and Colin.

Sources: Dorner Mfg., PMMI