LEBANON - ENTEK International, which manufactures separator products for automotive batteries, has been sold by founder Jim Young to the company's senior management team.

In 2006, ENTEK Holdings LLC was ranked 71st on Oregon Business magazine's top 150 privately held companies, with sales between $150 million and $250 million. ENTEK's headquarters is at 250 Hansard Ave.

Company president Rob Keith said that in recent years, Young has delegated more day-to-day operations to the management team.

"During that time, the company has thrived and Jim is comfortable that the company he founded is in good hands," Keith said in a prepared statement. "It was a natural evolution and an ideal fit."

He added that the purchase also will provide "continuity in management, values and visions. Everyone on the senior management team has a long tenure with ENTEK and a strong commitment to ENTEK employees, communities and customers. That won't change."

In addition to Keith, other new owners nn with tenures up to 20 years each nn include Dan Powell, chief financial officer; Joel Kuntz, vice president and general counsel; Rick Pekala, vice president, research and development; Graeme Fraser-Bell, vice president, international sales; Dan Weerts, vice president sales and marketing; Chris Staats, vice president information technology; and Martin Lee, managing director, United Kingdom.

In 1984, Young developed a separator material for the automotive battery market. In 1987, the company opened in Lebanon with 34 employees. Revenues have increased 15-fold and employees number 322. ENTEK also increased its product lines from one to several, which are sold worldwide.

Its separator materials are used in automotive batteries found in six out of every 10 cars in North America. The company also produces separator materials for lithium-ion batteries used in cell phones, digital cameras, computers and other mobile electronic devices.

The company recently added a new line of breathable membranes used for waterproof clothing and camping gear.

Since 1996, ENTEK Manufacturing Inc. has produced manufacturing equipment for other companies in the plastics industry. EMI was not part of the sale and will continue to be owned by Young.

In addition to its Lebanon headquarters, ENTEK has operations in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.