ADDISON, Ill., May 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Minuteman International, Inc., the floor-care equipment and chemical manufacturer, announced the appointment of Stephen A. Schroeder as vice president of sales, responsible for the sales and marketing of commercial and industrial products in the United States and Canada. Schroeder was formerly president of the Distributor Alliance Group of Carroll Company and director of sales for SC Johnson Professional.

Gregory J. Rau, president and CEO, said Schroeder adds the experience and knowledge of a long-time industry figure to Minuteman's sales and marketing efforts. "Steve is a veteran in our business with a very successful track record and well known within our industry. We feel very fortunate that we were able to recruit him for this key position within our company," Rau said.

Schroeder has been in the industry since 1975. He spent 23 years with SC Johnson Professional, the industry's largest branded manufacturer of housekeeping chemicals in a variety of sales, marketing and management positions. Most recently, he led the Distributor Alliance Group of Carroll Company, the industry's largest private brand manufacturer of housekeeping chemicals through distribution. Schroeder has served the industry as Chairman of the Board of the International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA) in Mexico from 1993 to 1994 and Treasurer of the ISSA from 1995 to 1998.

"Steve's experience with distribution channels and strategy, his reputation for integrity and energy and his ability to develop long-standing relationships with customers will add a new dimension to Minuteman's goal to achieve $100 million in sales in the near term," Rau said.