October 7, 2026 (Santa Rosa, CA) — M. A. Silva USA, North America’s leading manufacturer and distributor of premium natural corks, glass and packaging, has announced today that it has hired two industry veterans to support its staff of experts as it broadens its sales team. Eddie Townsend joins the company as its Business Development Manager, a new position at M. A. Silva, while Gina Hernandez joins the sales team as an Account Manager.
Eddie Townsend has more than two decades of experience in the beverage and packaging industries, including expertise in closures and premium glass. Previously he was the Market Manager at Saverglass, where he expanded relationships with wine and spirits brands. Eddie cut his teeth as VP of Sales at Hyde de Villaine Winery in the Napa Valley and later moved into packaging at Tapi USA, where he launched the company’s West Coast showroom. Townsend’s experience on all sides of the wine industry gives him a 360-degree view of the business and an eye for design, packaging pitfalls, and the vital marriage of glass and closure.
“Not only does Eddie bring a broad background in wine and spirits, he is well respected and knows how to work with clients to develop programs that offer great value and fill operational needs,” said General Manager Mike Bartlett. “He is a great addition to the M. A. Silva Family.”
Gina Hernandez is a sales professional with more than 28 years of experience in the wine and beverage industry. She will bring her experience in building lasting partnerships with clients and helping them design their ideal packaging to her new position. “It’s great to have someone with Gina’s background and experience join M. A. Silva,” said Bartlett. “She is known as someone who takes care of her customers which is a key factor in the success of M. A. Silva over the years.”
Townsend and Hernandez join M. A. Silva as the company continues to invest in its people, expand its sales team and provide impeccable customer relations. They will help the company continue to grow as a leading industry supplier and strategic partner for the wine and beverage industry in North America.
About M. A. Silva USA
M. A. Silva USA is a leading and award-winning manufacturer of premium corks, glass, and packaging for North American markets. Its mission is to demonstrate impeccable integrity, consistent customer service, and a continuous commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly operations. Established in 2000 by cork industry experts Neil Foster and Manuel Alves Silva Sr., founder of M. A. Silva Portugal, the company provides a dependable, vertically integrated supply of wine corks and packaging to customers throughout North America. M. A. Silva USA can be reached at 707.636.2530 or www.masilva.com.
About M. A. Silva Portugal
Founded in 1972 and based in Mozelos, Feira, Portugal, M. A. Silva is a global leader in the cork stopper market with a fully vertically integrated approach. Renowned for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation, the company maintains extensive international operations. Its assets include a 105,000-square-meter raw material center in Alter do Chão, Alentejo; three processing facilities in northern Portugal; and six distribution units across Spain, France, Italy, Brazil, China, and the United States. M. A. Silva is also represented by more than 10 exclusive agents in markets including Germany, Austria, and Australia.
