Management buys out Knowlton.

A management group with more than 50 years of experience at Knowlton Specialty Papers, Inc. has purchased the assets of the firm. The new company will be called Knowlton Technologies, LLC.

The management buy-out is led by Frederick Rudmann, president and CEO. Mr. Rudmann joined the company in 2004 to lead a restructuring effort and focus on core markets. His background includes roles in finance and strategic planning. James Ganter, executive vice president, COO and 22-year veteran of the company, has worked at the company in a variety of roles with increasing responsibilities. James Lee, vice president of new business and technology, joined the company in 1983. He started in production and moved into research and development. Franklin Cean, under whose leadership Knowlton Specialty Papers, Inc. experienced a remarkable and challenging period of diversification and growth, has agreed to sell the operation and is retiring after 43 years at the mill. It is expected that the transition from Mr. Cean to the veteran group of managers will be seamless since they have been leaders in the business for a number of years.