Northern Lights Inc., Seattle, announced Jan. 2 that it has promoted Blain Middleton to president and appointed Eric Dallin as director of marketing.
Middleton was promoted from his role as executive vice president and general manager. As president, he will oversee strategic direction and operations across Northern Lights marine generators, Lugger propulsion engines, Technicold HVAC and refrigeration systems, and MAN engines distribution for the Western United States and Canada.
“Blain’s leadership has been instrumental in growing our manufacturing and distribution operations,” said Sam Hill, chairman of Northern Lights. “He has a deep respect for the engineering standards our customers demand and a customer-first mentality that makes him uniquely qualified to lead Northern Lights into its next era of growth while preserving the reliability that defines our 65-year legacy.”
Middleton has been with Northern Lights since 2017, holding leadership roles in production, operations, and executive management. Before that, he spent nearly 30 years working with on- and off-highway diesel engine and industrial refrigeration applications, including roles ranging from diesel engine mechanic to fleet management.
“I am excited to continue that culture of innovation,” said Middleton. “While we look to the future, we will remain grounded in the design philosophy that made Northern Lights the most well-respected, durable, and reliable equipment manufacturer in the industry. We are building for what’s next, without forgetting what got us here.”
As Northern Lights' new director of marketing, Dallin will lead marketing strategy and business development initiatives across the company’s marine power, propulsion, and climate control portfolio.
“Eric brings a remarkable track record of marketing innovation and leadership to our team,” said Middleton. “His strategic vision and passion for driving brand growth will be invaluable as we continue to expand our market presence and help customers understand our comprehensive turnkey solutions.”
Dallin has more than 20 years of experience in the marine industry, with a background in integrated sales and marketing leadership, go-to-market strategy, and brand management. Prior to joining Northern Lights, he held senior leadership roles with marine media and brand organizations.
“For more than two decades, I’ve had the privilege of working with many of the most influential brands in our industry,” Dallin said. “Northern Lights and Technicold have one of the most authentic and compelling stories in marine manufacturing, with a legacy rooted in reliability, engineering discipline, and real-world performance. That is a story worth telling, and I’m excited to help tell it.”
