Effective Jan. 1, Richard Lyons, executive vice president of C. Cowles & Company, has been promoted to president of C. Cowles & Company.

Lyons is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island and a 30-year veteran with the company. He has served in numerous capacities with the company, including national sales manager and general manager. Lyons was responsible for developing and building Hydrolevel Co. with new and creative product innovations. These development efforts made Hydrolevel a leader in its field. As a strong advocate of lean manufacturing, Lyons has implemented many quality processes and manufacturing efficiencies. In addition, he has assisted in the acquisition and implementation of several businesses including the acquisition of Spartan Plastics from Avery Corp., as well as the acquisition of Carlin Combustion Technology.

C. Cowles & Company consists of three operating companies: Hydrolevel, Carlin Combustion Technology and Cowles Products. Hydrolevel and Carlin Combustion are controls and burner companies offering low water cutoffs, water feeders, temperature controls, primary burner controls, ignitors and residential and commercial burners. Cowles Products manufactures and sells automotive trim products through the big box retailers and paint, body and equipment companies.

C. Cowles & Company was founded in 1838 as a carriage lantern manufacturer. The company recently moved to a new 225,000-square-foot facility in North Haven, Connecticut, after 125 years in its New Haven facility. Lawrence Moon, currently the president and CEO, will become chairman Jan. 1. For any questions, contact Director of HR Sherri Helget at 203-680-9437 or shelget@ccowles.com.