Mr. William N. Temple

Commenting on the management transition , Mr. Temple said : Red Fifield's extensive manufacturing experience and record as a hands-on , innovative operations executive are well-suited to this assignment and our ongoing efforts to drive U.S. Pipe's operational performance.I'm confident that he will provide the leadership needed to carry U.S. Pipe to new levels of growth..

Thanks to the process and efficiency enhancements initiated at U.S. Pipe under Bill Temple's leadership in recent years , I anticipate a seamless executive transition and look forward to a period of accelerated growth at our Water Transmission Products Group , Richard E. Almy , Walter Industries' Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer , said in making the announcement.Bill has been an integral member of our management team for many years , and we wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement..

Mr. Temple , 64 , joined U.S. Pipe in 1965 as an accounting supervisor , advancing to controller in 1969.In 1971 he was named president of Southeastern Bolt and Screw , a former U.S. Pipe division.The following year he was named a vice president of U.S. Pipe and president of its former Fasteners and Special Products division.He was promoted to corporate vice president and group executive for Walter Industries' predecessor company , Jim Walter Corporation , in 1974 and served in that capacity until 1991 , when he was named a senior vice president and group executive of Walter Industries.He became U.S. Pipe's president and chief operating officer in November 1993.

Note to Editor : Walter Industries , Inc. , based in Tampa , Florida , is a diversified , multi-subsidiary company with major interests in homebuilding/financing and industrial operations.Walter Industries and its subsidiaries employ 7 , 600 at manufacturing facilities and sales offices throughout the United States , generating sales and revenues of more than $ 1.5 billion annually.