The new owner of National Recovery Technologies has tapped a veteran industrial automation executive to lead the material sorting equipment manufacturer.

Oregon-based Bulk Handling Systems acquired Nashville-based National Recovery last month. In a statement, the company said Edward Sommer, the local venture's co-founder and former president and CEO, now is its chief technology officer and is reporting to Matthias Erdmannsdoerfer.

Erdmannsdoerfer comes to NRT with more than 15 years of executive experience in material handling and capital equipment. He has, among other things, been president and CEO of Beumer Corp. and president of Eisenmann Corp.

“We are fortunate to have someone of Matthias’ caliber and experience to step up and lead NRT during this transition,” said Steve Miller, CEO of BHS. “NRT is at a very exciting yet equally critical juncture as a company, and Matthias has the vision, leadership and successful track record to implement our strategy and take advantage of current market opportunities.”