CLEVELAND — David W. Watson has joined The Austin Co. as baking and snack engineering SME (subject-matter expert).

Mr. Watson has more than 37 years of experience in the food industry, most recently as vice-president of engineering — international, Pepperidge Farm, and packaging systems at Campbell Soup Co.

“Dave has been part of our family for many years as a client in his prior role as vice-president of engineering at Campbell Soup Co.,” said Brandon Davis, vice-president and general manager of Austin’s eastern operations. “We are overjoyed to have him join our family, now as a team member bringing deep process and operations skills, as well as the owner's perspective to our work.”

Mr. Watson received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at Drexel University and a master’s degree in business administration at Saint Joseph’s University.

He has served as a past member of the American Society of Baking Executive Committee, the Bakery Equipment Manufacturers Association (BEMA) BIF Committee and the American Bakers Association. He is currently on committees for the International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE).