The Toro Co. last week announced that Judy Altmaier joined the company as vice president, operations. She succeeds Sandy Meurlot, who is retiring after seven years with the company.

In her new position, Altmaier assumes responsibility for all manufacturing operations in North America with indirect oversight for international manufacturing and distribution facilities. Prior to Toro, she was with Eaton Corp. where she most recently served as vice president and general manager of operations for the Auto Group Americas.

Additionally, as required by New York Stock Exchange rules, the company reported the grant of restricted stock to Altmaier. The board of directors of The Toro Co. awarded 4,752 restricted shares of common stock, par value $1.00, to Altmaier as an employment inducement award.

Headquartered in Bloomington, Minn., The Toro Co. is a leading worldwide provider of turf and landscape maintenance equipment, and precision irrigation systems.