CARY, NC — Donald M. Alstadt, a 55-year veteran of the Lord Corp., will retire as chairman of the board, effective Jan. 1, 2000, the company announced. Succeeding Alstadt will be Sheldon A. Buckler, who will initially join the company as vice chairman. Buckler is currently chairman of Commonwealth Energy System.

Alstadt joined Lord as a chemist in 1943 and held a series of research and management positions before being named president in 1968. He was appointed chairman and CEO in 1982. Alstadt’s contributions to the company include development of the formulation for Chemlok rubber-to-metal adhesives, a product line that formed the basis for the launch of the company’s Chemical Products Division.

Lord Corp. manufactures adhesives, polyurethane coatings and mechanical devices.