Valley Irrigation has appointed Joshua Dixon as the vice president of global operations.

An experienced global manufacturing executive, Dixon has extensive knowledge of lean enterprise, supply chain organization, operations management, product management, strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions, and integration.

His past operational experience includes leading lean initiatives as a Danaher Business System leader and as the director of lean enterprise at Belden Inc.; serving as the senior value stream manager at Danaher facilities in Tianjin, China, and Gurnee, IL; and working as a manufacturing materials manager at General Electric’s motor division.

Dixon is a graduate of General Electric’s prestigious Operations Management Leadership Program and holds numerous Master Black Belts in lean tools, including Six Sigma. He gained broad international experience, as well as extensive merger, acquisition and integration experience, at both Danaher and Belden.

Dixon has a passion for thinking outside of industry norms to solve problems and is listed as the co-inventor of a unique coaxial connector for the broadcast industry that was awarded a U.S. patent.

“Efficient use of water is key to global sustainability, and Valley products are at the forefront of global water stewardship,” he said. “I am excited to build upon the legacy of my predecessors to keep Valley as the market leader in the global irrigation business.”

Valley Irrigation President Len Adams noted that Dixon worked with the company’s previous vice president of global operations, Steve Kaniewski.

“Josh’s personality and that relationship with Steve at Belden is a good indicator of his compatibility with our Valley culture,” Adams said. “We know he will fit well here. I like his style, his understanding of lean and his strong, well-rounded background.”

Dixon will be responsible for global manufacturing, process engineering, supply chain management, quality, order management, safety and logistics.