MBX names new CEO as part of expansion

Chris Tucker has been named chief executive officer at Libertyville-based MBX Systems, one of several changes the company is making as it expands its technology hardware manufacturing services.

Tucker is a 12-year veteran of the company and has been president since 2018. He joined MBX in 2007 and became director of business development in 2011 and vice president of customer engagement in 2015. Before joining MBX, he worked in sales management roles for several Chicago-area companies.

Tom Crowley, MBX's former CEO who founded the company in 1995 in Island Lake, will remain with the company as founder, a spokesman said.

MBX also announced Vice President Of Operations Carl Nothnagel is being promoted to chief operating officer and Director of Account Management Dean Thuente is moving to director of channel engagement. Both are new positions designed to help the company drive and support new business generated by its ongoing services expansion, the company said in a statement.

One of the few companies in the country that focuses exclusively on designing and manufacturing server hardware for corporate data centers and other businesses, MBX has expanded its portfolio over the past year to include services like direct support from partner companies like Dell Computers, real-time status of customer orders through MBX's Hatch supply chain management platform, and new platforms for the simulation and training industry.

The company said the additional services have brought a 45% increase in new customers and opened MBX into markets like video streaming and production, surveillance, military simulation and training, health care and high-performance computing.

"Our 2019 performance testifies to our ability to design and execute extremely complex builds, handle all logistics including global shipments and compliance, and develop innovative solutions that improve the way customers manage their hardware program," Tucker said.