The Viking Group has created Viking Plastics, a new business unit dedicated to producing CPVC fire sprinkler pipe, manufactured in Huntsville, AL, from the company’s BlazeMaster® compounds. The Viking Group also announced that CEO Tom Groos has been appointed chairman of the company’s board of directors, subject to final shareholder approval. Kevin Ortyl, currently president and COO, will move up to CEO while continuing as president. This move marks the first time in Viking’s 86-year history that the company’s CEO is someone other than a Tyden-Groos family member. Also, The Viking Group announced the hiring of Chuck McGould as the new vice president of sales, responsible for sales and marketing efforts for North and Latin America.