Natural Resources >> CEO Interviews >> September 6, 1999
GARY R. SMITH is the President and Chief Executive Officer of High
Plains Corporation, having served since April 1998. In April, 1999 he
was elected to the Board of Directors of the company. Most recently Mr.
Smith was President of Signa StorTech Systems, Inc., an Ohio-based metal
fabrication and powder-coating company from January 1, 1996 to April,
1998. Prior to working with Signa, he served in executive capacities
with Hercules Engine Company, White Engines, Inc., Cummins Engine
Company and Hoerner Waldorf Corporation. While serving as the President
of Hercules Engine Company, Mr. Smith served on the Board of Directors
of the Natural Gas Vehicle Coalition, a national clean-fuels advocacy
organization. Profile
TWST: What do you see as the company and what do you see as the businesstoday?
Mr. Smith: High Plains Corporation was formed in 1982. Its first
ethanol plant opened in 1984 in Colwich,