A familiar face is returning to help drive the next era of innovation for roaster manufacturer Loring Smart Roast, as Bob Austin re-assumes the role of president.

Austin previously served as president of the Santa Rosa, California-based company from 2013-2017 before being succeeded by Gordon Tredger. Former Lind Marine operations executive Abbie Walther most recently held the role, following her appointment last June.

A longtime executive and consultant in the manufacturing and technology industries, Austin re-joined Loring in March 2023 in the role of Chief Technology Officer/Director of Engineering.

Since that time, under Austin’s guidance, the company launched a new automation solution that works between multiple roasters, as well as a new weighing solution alongside its existing destoner equipment, according to the company.

Loring is well known in the coffee industry for its single-burner coffee roasting machines, including the 7-kilo-capacity S7 Nighthawk model, the S15 Falcon, S35 Kestrel and S70 Peregrine. Each of those machines features Loring’s patented smoke-incineration system, numerous automation capabilities and promise of energy savings compared to traditional gas drum roasters. The company also offers bean storage and transportation carts, destoners and its Roast Architect profiling and diagnostics software.

“[Bob] is an industry veteran and is back to lead us into a new chapter,” Loring CEO Ed Barr said in an announcement of Austin’s re-appointment yesterday. “We are thrilled to welcome him back as President as we continue to ensure the Loring Smart Roast team and products remain industry leading and innovative.”