Mortensen promoted to Cone Drive plant manager

Chad Mortensen

Spartan News: Alumni Feature

Spartan News is a presentation of Mason County Central Schools in partnership with Mason County Press. 

PERE MARQUETTE TOWNSHIP — Chad Mortensen has recently been named plant manager at Cone Drive’s Ludington location. Cone Drive produces precision drives used in diverse markets including solar, automation, aerial platforms, and food and beverage.

Mortensen began working at Cone Drive as a machinist in 1997. He is a 1993 graduate of Mason County Central High School and a 2000 graduate of West Shore Community College, where he learned machining.

“This is a great opportunity,” Mortensen said. “Working with such good people and amazing technology right here in Ludington is wonderful.”

Mortensen began his career at Metalworks before coming to Cone Drive.

“I spent a couple of years in assembly, then became a machinist, and eventually ran quality control for 15 years,” he said. “I always enjoyed the challenge of my roles and the opportunity to grow along the way.  It’s been a very rewarding career and it’s also fulfilling to see our product used by so many interesting customers.”

Mortensen and his wife, Jodi, have two children. Their son, Jacob, attends Grand Valley State University and their daughter, Anna, is a senior at MCC.

Cone Drive is located in the Pere Marquette Township Industrial Park, 5115 W. Progress Dr. In 2018, it was acquired by The Timken Company, based out of North Canton, Ohio. Cone Drive, which was founded in 1925, operates two Michigan plants, in Ludington and Traverse City.

Mortensen will replace Troy Scott, who is becoming the Traverse City plant manager. Scott has served as Ludington plant manager since 2022, following the retirement of Eric Ahfeld.

“Cone Drive does a lot of promoting from within,” said Mortensen. “We have people at the plant who have 25-plus years of experience with us. Currently, our longest-serving employee has been with us 37 years.”

“Troy really led by example,” Mortensen said. “I learned a lot from his management style.”

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