Guyson USA, a leader in surface preparation technology, announces a significant leadership transition as CEO Steve Byrnes retires after two decades of dedicated service. Byrnes has played a pivotal role in driving innovation, expanding the company’s capabilities, and establishing Guyson as the premier provider of blasting solutions in the United States. His leadership has been instrumental in advancing Guyson’s reputation for excellence, and his contributions have set the stage for continued growth.
Since joining Guyson 20 years ago, Byrnes has been at the forefront of the company’s technological advancements, spearheading innovations that have enhanced manufacturing efficiency and improved product performance. He has been directly involved in the development of Guyson’s industry-leading robotic and automated blasting solutions, including pioneering systems capable of lights-out operation. His ability to anticipate industry needs and engineer solutions that address them has made Guyson a trusted name in surface preparation.
A native of upstate New York, Byrnes has a deep appreciation for the region and its manufacturing community. His commitment to engineering excellence is evident in Guyson’s development of superior systems, from advanced blasting guns to cutting-edge reclaim systems and dust collectors. Byrnes attributes these advancements to the company’s strong engineering focus, emphasizing that successful implementation always comes down to smart and efficient design.
During his tenure, Byrnes oversaw the deployment of approximately 150 robotic cells and secured two patents for Guyson’s innovative technology. Under his leadership, the company supplied nearly 1,000 machines, with warranty costs remaining below 1%—a remarkable achievement given that many of these systems were developed from the ground up. His meticulous attention to quality and reliability has ensured that Guyson’s equipment meets the highest industry standards while maintaining exceptional long-term performance.
As Byrnes steps down, Guyson USA is pleased to welcome Jim Papa as the new CEO. With extensive experience in manufacturing andindustrial operations, Papa brings knowledge and leadership expertise to the role. His background in driving operational efficiency and fostering innovation aligns perfectly with Guyson’s mission to deliver cutting-edge solutions to customers across various industries.
Reflecting on his time at Guyson, Byrnes shared his appreciation for the company and its dedicated team. “It has been an incredible journey leading Guyson USA and working alongside such a talented group of individuals. I am confident that Jim Papa will continue to build upon our successes and drive the company forward,” he said.
The transition marks an exciting new chapter for Guyson USA, ensuring continued growth and a strong commitment to serving customers with the highest quality blasting and surface finishing solutions. The company extends its deepest gratitude to Steve Byrnes for his exceptional leadership, dedication, and vision, and it welcomes Jim Papa.
Below is just a sample of the impact Byrnes had bringing robotics to the forefront of this industry.
