WS Packaging Group, one of the largest label converting companies in North America, has named Rex E. Lane as its new chief executive officer. He replaces Terry Fulwiler, who has announced his retirement after 25 years of leadership with the company.

Lane brings 16 years of business management and Lean Manufacturing implementation experience to his new position. Immediately prior to joining WS Packaging Group, he was the vice president of global supply chain and operations for Apex Tool Group, Sparks, MD, USA. Formed through a joint venture between Danaher Tool Group and Cooper Tools, Apex Tool Group has $1.2 billion in sales and 15 manufacturing facilities in North America. In addition, he worked at Danaher Tool Group for seven years in progressive roles, most recently serving as the senior vice president of North American operations. Lane holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational management from the University of Maryland, Asian Division.

“I’m pleased that we’ve been able to attract a talent such as Rex to continue the long and successful record of WS Packaging Group,” Fulwiler says. “Rex has a solid background and a great passion to succeed. I’m looking forward to working with him as he begins his career at WS Packaging Group.”

Fulwiler will remain with the company as chairman of the board until June 2011. This year he was named as the 2010 receipient of the R. Stanton Avery Lifetime Achievement Award, which will be presented during the Label Industry Global Awards banquet in September at Labelexpo in Chicago.

WS Packaging Group, formed in 2000 by the merger of Wisconsin Label and Superior Label Systems, has more than 40 years of experience and is one of the largest printing and label converting operations in North America, employing 1,800 people and operating 17 manufacturing facilities.