He will manage operations for Fairchild's newly established DuQuoin, Illinois facility. Shockley will also be responsible for sales processes at the warehouse.

"We are excited to have someone of Ralph's calibre join the Fairchild team," said company vice-president of sales and marketing Jack Fairchild Jr.

"His hands-on experience and knowledge of the industry will help us to create new market opportunities."

Shockley is a new addition to Fairchild; he was previously a Freeman Energy maintenance supervisor. He also has experience in the industry through various mine maintenance positions with Freeman, Arch of Illinois and Carter Coal, and has both federal electrical and Illinois state mining certifications.