Vectorply hires Toby Jacobson as Advanced Composites Business Development Manager

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Phenix City, AL – Vectorply Corporation recently announced the hire of automotive industry expert Toby Jacobson as the company’s Advanced Composite Business Development Manager. In his new position, Jacobson will focus on carbon and other advanced material business development across a multitude of markets including automotive, aerospace, industrial, and others.

Jacobson is a long-time proponent of Vectorply who played an integral role in the development of the automotive industry’s first curved, pultruded composite component; the rear bumper beam of the revolutionary mid-engine Chevrolet C8 Corvette produced with Vectorply carbon fiber by his previous employer Shape Corp. (Grand Haven, MI). The first-of-its-kind bumper beam spent more than five years in research and development and made headlines across the composites and automotive industries for its breakthrough utilizing the curved pultrusion process.

Jacobson’s career began with Johnson Controls in 1996 where he held multiple engineering and leadership positions during his 10-year tenure. He provided technical leadership for a team of more than 50 employees and his project management for injection molding operation consolidation led to a Global Merit Award.

In 2007 he made the move to Shape Corp., a tier-one automotive supplier who supports several automobile producers with key components and structures. As an R&D product manager and product engineering manager with Shape, Jacobson lead teams of product engineers, tooling engineers, process engineers, and product designers. His passion for innovation and a relentless approach to technical innovations led to his selection as Shape’s first ever “Innovator of the Year” recipient in 2017. Jacobson has built a strong foundation in thermoplastic and thermoset materials with a deep knowledge of mechanical performance and testing, recycled materials, laminate design, and characterization of materials for CAE/FEA.

Vectorply CEO and President Trevor Humphrey is excited about the addition of Jacobson and his deep knowledge of composite materials.

“Toby has been a friend to Vectorply for many years and we have seen first-hand his extensive knowledge of composite materials, specifically in the automotive industry,” Humphrey said. “We are excited that he is joining our team of technical solution providers who are focused on helping our customers achieve their goals.”