Central States Inc. welcomes new manufacturing unit president

Doug Watts joins in leadership role as longtime President Tim Ruger transitions to chief strategy officer to provide additional focus to strategic initiatives.

Central States Inc., a leader in metal building components, roofing and building packages, announces Doug Watts has joined the 100% employee-owned business as Central States manufacturing president. Watts comes to his new post with more than two decades of manufacturing and leadership experience and will oversee operations, sales, logistics and customer service for Central States Manufacturing. 

“First and foremost, Doug was a strategic fit for us from a culture and customer-first perspective,” said Jim Sliker, Central States Inc. CEO. “Doug’s experience in the building products industry is only surpassed by his character, leadership and dedication to excellence. He will be instrumental as we guide the company toward continued success and innovation.” 

With more than 25 years of experience in the building materials and glazing systems industries, Doug Watts brings a wealth of leadership and operational expertise to his new role as president of Central States Manufacturing. Most recently, he completed a distinguished 22-year tenure at Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope. There, he held several key leadership roles, including president of architectural glazing systems, where he oversaw full P&L responsibility for business units across the U.S. and Canada. Over a three-year period, Watts helped grow the company’s revenues by 50%. 

Doug’s background includes deep experience in delivering full building envelope solutions — ranging from aluminum storefronts and curtain walls to windows and glass — supported by robust estimating, engineering and project management services. He began his career in sales at Binswanger Glass and holds a master’s degree in business management from West Texas A&M University. 

His proven track record of driving growth, operational excellence and customer-focused innovation positions him well to lead Central States into its next chapter. 

“I’m honored to step into the role of president at Central States Manufacturing,” Doug said. “This company’s culture of integrity, innovation and employee-ownership is truly special. I’m excited to serve alongside our incredible team of employee-owners as we continue building on our legacy of excellence. I also want to thank Tim Ruger for his outstanding leadership over the last decade. Tim’s contributions have positioned us for continued success, and I look forward to building on that foundation.” 

Tim Ruger joined Central States in 2013 after a long career of leadership positions in automotive manufacturing. Under his leadership, Central States Manufacturing has experienced significant expansion, averaging more than 25% growth year over year, bringing new products and services to the market, and opening five new manufacturing facilities with two more scheduled to open their doors this summer. Tim continues his work with Central States in the role of chief strategy officer, helping to focus Central States on new ventures. 

About Central States, Inc.

Central States, Inc. (WWW.CENTRALSTATESCO.COM) is 100% employee-owned and was founded in 1988. With over 1,200 employee-owners and 11 manufacturing facilities in 2024, the company serves over 6,000 commercial, architectural, post-frame and residential contractors and customers across the United States across three business operating units. Central States Manufacturing is a leading manufacturer of metal building components with 17 metal roofing and wall panel profiles and a full line of trim, accessories and structural purlin. Two new factories are under construction, including a frame and structural steel plant for pre-engineered metal buildings (PEMB). Central States Building Works provides material-only building packages for self-storage and metal building systems. In 2023, Central States acquired Elevate Structures (formerly Storage Structures, Inc.), a leader in self-storage, offering the patented Alpha Framing System™. In 2024, Central States Sentry™ roll-up door and hallway systems were introduced to serve the self-storage industry.