HighTech Finishing's strong management team is a group of professionals with more than 150 years combined experience serving the Business Aviation Industry. We are "Business Aviation people."

Our team of highly experienced, highly qualified metal finishing craftsmen and technicians receive on-going training to ensure that their craftsmanship, artistry, attention to detail, and dedication to quality assurance remains unsurpassed.

A brief introduction to our key management personnel follows:

Carl A. Bartuch Jr. - Chief Executive Officer
For 20 years, heavily involved in the design and development of high quality, high durability decorative electroplating finishes for corporate aviation interior usage. Assumed position of President of HighTech Finishing in 1984 and recently was named Chief Executive Officer. Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Accounting - Penn State University.

"We've established a leadership position in the industry by forming "true" partnering relationships with our customers, becoming an integral part of their management effort and ultimately helping them achieve their performance goals. Our commitment to this philosophy, these principles and our customers remains steadfast."


Lee H. Whitley - President
Began career with HighTech Finishing in 1994 as Controller. Assumed additional management responsibilities and was recently elected President in 2002.

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Accounting from The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio. Professional Credential: Certified Public Accountant licensed in Pennsylvania and Texas.

"We continue to invest in our people and our processes. This ensures our customers are always getting the best overall value for their investment."


Richard C. Niefield - Vice President-Sales and Marketing
Over 18 years of extensive sales and marketing experience in the corporate aviation industry. Prior experience includes management positions with Flight Safety International, Air Routing International, and Garrett Aviation. Extensive knowledge of all facets of the aviation industry, from pilot training to aircraft maintenance and modifications. Falcon 20 rated and certified flight instructor.

Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in marketing - University of Houston.

"Whether you're a manufacturer, completion center, maintenance facility or single aircraft operator, HighTech has proven time after time that we can and will provide every customer with the highest level of quality and support available."


King T. Chan - Controller
Joined HighTech Finishing in 2001 as Controller. Background in high technology manufacturing and processing analyzing cost structures, financial accounting and planning. Master of Business Administration with a major in Accounting from the University of Houston. Professional Credential: Certified Public Accountant licensed in Texas.

"Our philosophy is to support the customer. With that in mind we can customize our paperwork to fit the way you work, making it much easier to get your job done."


Francisco "Paco" Velasco - Plant Manager
Over 30 years of experience in the decorative plating industry with more than 20 years working with business aviation interior component parts. Joined HighTech Finishing in 1994 in a production supervisory position. Developed and implemented numerous new and innovative production processing techniques and procedures that enhance the look, durability and performance of the finished plating product.

"The most critical steps to producing the beauty and rich luster of decorative plating comes before the final finish color is even applied. We go through many extra steps to make sure it's done right.


Donald Ralston - Manager-Process Development & Research
Spanning 30 years, Don has a diverse background in metal finishing, management, research and customer support working with all types of metals, finishes, chemicals and processes. Joined HighTech Finishing in 1993. Developing and refined numerous processing techniques that improve the processing operation as well as the finished plating product look, quality and durability.

"Aviation customers demand fast turn times with no compromise on quality. We've set up our facilities, equipment and processes to accommodate these requests with ease."


Naomi Lockhart - Regional Account Representative
Naomi has more than 20 years of business aviation industry experience. Joined HighTech in 2001. Prior to joining HighTech, Naomi held positions in operations and purchasing with Mitsubishi Aircraft and Raytheon.

"By visiting our customers locations, we are better able to understand their critical needs. Whether through design, purchasing or engineering departments, we work closely to provide the best solution with the greatest value."


Tim Mead - Director, Customer Support
Joined HighTech with nearly 16 Years experience in operations, production and management for a variety of commercial and consumer organizations. Instrumental in developing ISO 9002 procedures and environmental compliance programs company wide. As Director of Customer Support, Tim ensures complete customer satisfaction for the end user. Attended San Jacinto College with emphasis on management and marketing.

"Communication is a key element in our business. We make sure the customer is kept up to date on their order and to make sure it is done right and done on time."


Gilbert Alfaro - Chemist
Phi Beta Kappa graduate of San Antonio College with an Associate of Science degree. Gilbert joined HighTech in 1996 after 24 years in the petrochemical field working with various chemical formulations, gas chromatography, environmental monitoring and wet testing.

His extensive background in chemical processes and environmental compliance contributed greatly to ensure that HighTech achieve and maintain ISO9001/AS9100 certification.

"With our ISO9001/AS9100 process, our customers can be assured every part will be processed under the same exacting standards of quality with each and every delivery."