Willard Paul Zimmerman

Glass Field Leader

Executive Vice President Of

Owens-Corning Is Retiring

W. Paul Zimmerman, executive vice president of Owens-Corning Fiberglass, announced that he is retiring April 30 under the company's retirement plan, but will continue to be closely associated with the company as a special consultant.

Although he is retiring in advance of the company's regular retirement age, Zimmerman explained he requested such action because his health would not permit him to meet the full time, rigorous duties of his position.

W. PAUL ZIMMERMAN

Harold Boeschenstein, president of Owens-Corning, paid tribute to Zimmerman, saying: "It is with great regret we accept the resignation of a person who has contributed so importantly to the growth of our company and the glass industry. Particularly notable was his leadership of our company during World War II in meeting the extra-ordinary wartime needs for Fiberglas products. We are happy Mr. Zimmerman is continuing his association with the company in the role of special consultant; I know all of us in OCF are looking forward to maintaining our close personal and working relationships with him.

Leader in Field.

Zimmerman, who is well known and respected as one of the long-time leaders in the glass field, was first associated with the industry in 1920 following his combat service in World War I. He joined the Hemingray Glass Company, Muncie, Indiana, as secretary-treasurer. A few years later he was named general manager of the firm. When Owens-Illinois purchased the Hemingray Glass Company, he was made plant manager of the Hemingray Division and, a short time later, appointed manager of the Industrial Products Division of Owens-Illinois.

During the early '30's, he developed a process that started glass block on its way as a staple, widely used building material.

Named Vice President.

In 1937, Zimmerman was transferred to O-I's Toledo headquarters where he became general manager of the company's Industrial Materials Division. In this position, he directed the production and distribution, and was closely associated with the research and development of products mad from fibrous glass. The following year, when the Owens-Corning Fiberglass Corporation was formed, he was elected the new company's vice president in charge of manufacturing and sales.

From 1942 to 1945, when Boeschenstein was in Washington as a member and vice chairman of the War Production Board, Zimmerman served as acting head of Owens-Corning. He was named executive vice president of OCF in September, 1946.

Zimmerman was born on a farm near Washington Court House, Ohio. He is a graduate of Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, where he starred as a lineman on the school's football teams. He was honored by being named to All-Ohio teams for three successive years and, in the 1916 season, made Walter Camp's honor roll of grid-iron greats. During World War I he served as regimental adjutant of the 330th Infantry, 83rd Ohio Division.