About Us
Traditional Manufacturer’s Representative firms in the industrial market focus on selling commodities either directly or through distributors. Manufacturers of higher value capital equipment typically hire direct sales representatives absorbing the high cost of salary and benefits until the sales representative can increase sales enough to support their fixed cost and then increase sales even more to produce a profit for the company. It is an ROI model that is difficult to justify in today’s business climate and many small to medium size capital equipment manufacturer’s do without a professional sales and marketing person. Often, it is the owner of the firm that performs those activities to the detriment of other more important strategic business activities.
Composite Automation, LLC provides the sales and marketing activities to companies that are in the composites market with high value solutions in the North American composites market that is comprised of aerospace, defense, automotive, wind, etc. When I launched Composite Automation, LLC. I carefully selected partners and associates based on their ability to deliver unique and innovative solutions to composites manufacturing applications. Finally, we all share a passion for outstanding customer service with the intent of developing long standing relationships.

John Melilli
President - President/CEO Eastern US
Over 30 years of experience in the application of mechanical, electrical and industrial automation components and systems for manufacturing. My career has brought me through the full gamut of manufacturing incuding food, pharma, discreet, process, batch, etc. The composites industry has many of the same challenges. All manufacturing shares the same goal which is to increase throughput, reduce waste, maximize quality while keeping a sharp eye on cost.
I have been working with composite part manufacturer’s since 2004 being mindful of these goals and know that to be successful, I must help customers achieve them as well. My technical experience includes not just an understanding of the systems that Composite Automation represents but more importantly the common composites manufacturing issues prevalent in the industry.
My hobbies include adoring my grandchildren, golf, fishing, skiing, and zydeco dancing with my lovely wife.
Check my calendar and request a meeting.

Alexis Dubois
Business Development & Technical Sales Manager - North Western US; Western Canada
With over 15 years of experience in advanced composites and the energy industry, I’ve worked across R&D, product development, and production scale-up for industrial gas infrastructure. My technical background includes developing gas transport and purification systems, composite pressure vessels, and related infrastructure for storage and distribution. Today, my focus is on helping manufacturers select and implement advanced composite processing and automation equipment that improve throughput, reduce waste, and enhance quality. Working with clients worldwide, I strive to align innovative manufacturing technologies with real-world production and commercial goals.

Shaun Hogan
Senior Technical Sales Manager – Composites & Automation - South Western US; Mexico
Shaun has over 40 years of experience in designing, manufacturing, and testing high-performance composite structures and pressure vessels. He has led more than 15 successful factory start-ups and expansions across 10 countries, including the USA, Canada, England, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, China, India, and Thailand. Shaun brings an innovative approach to high quality, cost-effective automated production lines. His expertise spans product and machine design, lean operations, and advanced inspection and testing methods. Shaun’s innovative approach and proven track record make him a trusted partner for companies seeking world-class technology and manufacturing excellence.

Jim Martin
VP of Business Development - NE US and Canada
Located in Troy, NY, Jim will be managing the activities of Composite Automation in the Northeast US and Canada. Jim has over 30 years of experience in the design and installation of various types of composites processing machines and will be able to help our customers in machine requirements and risk reduction. You may contact him at jim@compositeautomation.com or at 518-369-5701.

Gaylon Gregory
Sales Engineer - Southeast USA
Gaylon has over 35 years of experience in manufacturing and applying unique solutions for his customers. He has a thorough understanding of CNC machines, composites manufacturing methods, and other manufacturing systems. He started his career as a machinist which gives him a factory floor understanding of being “in the trenches”. He has also been a business owner and built boats. He has been involved in projects that spanned the automotive, space, aerospace, marine, heavy industry and and industrial automation. He’ll be covering much of the Southeast US from his location in Atlanta, GA. Please reach out to him with your applications.

Edward Sepulveda
Director - Business Development - Strategic Accounts
Edward lives in sunny southern California. He has over 20 years of Advanced Material Product Development – Composites Engineering & Executive Lean Operations Managment experience. He has implemented innovative solutions (Processes and Equipment) in Aerospace, Military & Defense, Automotive, Medical and even Infrastructure. He has deep knowledge in the application of filament winders. His unique lean methodology has created manufacturing facilities that earned accolades and distinctions such as “State of the Art” and “Next Generation Manufacturing”. Edward has a passion for new product development and is ready to bring these skills to your application.
