MANUFACTURER NEWS
Atlas Copco consolidates pneumatic division
Atlas Copco will consolidate operations in its Chicago Pneumatic Division and cut about 70 jobs in France, the company said last week. Chicago Pneumatic makes tools for fastening, drilling and sanding. The company will consolidate air tool production from plants in Nantes, France, and Great Britain into its expanded facility in Hemel Hempstead, Great Britain. The move will affect about 70 workers in Nantes over an 18-month period. The group’s France-based electric tool fasteners and assembly systems business and Chicago Pneumatic’s French sales company will be relocated into a new building near their current location in Nantes. The company plans for the changes to be implemented by mid 2004. Chicago Pneumatic is based in Rock Hill, S.C.
Terex organizes into four reporting groups
Terex announced Wednesday a new operating structure organizing the company into four primary reporting groups – Cranes, Construction, Mining and Roadbuilding and Utility Products. When the company completes its acquisition of Genie Industries, Aerial Work Platforms will become the fifth reporting group. Ronald DeFeo, Terex chairman and chief executive, said the changes will strengthen the company’s ability to service its customers and provide a better return for shareholders. Over the past year, Terex has added or announced eight acquisitions.
Volvo opens backhoe factory in Poland
Volvo opened on Friday its Wroclaw, Poland, factory where the company will manufacture its new backhoe loader introduced at ConExpo earlier this year. The machine will be sold first in European countries and then in the United States. Volvo invested about $5 million in the new facility, which will start with 120 employees.
DEALER NEWS
Poly Hi Solidur names Aero national distributor
Aero Industries has become a national distributor for Poly Hi Solidur’s QuickSilver and DuraPro on-road dump truck liners. Poly Hi Solidur said in a press release adding Aero’s national network to its own will enhance customers’ ability to access products, services and technical assistance.
PEOPLE ON THE MOVE
Terex has named Fil Filipov, formerly the company’s executive vice president, president of Terex Cranes. He will be responsible for all operations, marketing, manufacturing and sales activities for Terex crane products sold worldwide.
Terex has named Colin Robertson, formerly president of Terex Europe, president of Terex Construction. He will be responsible for operations, manufacturing, sales and marketing of Terex construction products, including off-highway articulated and rigid trucks, loader backhoes, mini and midi excavators, wheeled excavators, companction equipment, telehandlers and wheel loaders.
Ron DeFeo, chairman and chief executive of Terex, will lead the company’s new Roadbuilding and Utility Products group. Included in this group are asphalt and concrete pavers, reclaimers, stabilizers and milling machines, crushing and screening equipment, light towers and generators.
The American Rental Association has elected officers and directors. Officers will serve one-year terms beginning Feb. 13 and directors will serve three-year terms. Officers are: president – Thomas Fouts, Bledsoe Rentals, Lee’s Summit, Mo.; senior vice president – Allen Morehead, Ace Rents, Lancaster, Pa.; vice president – Bob Anderson, Anderson Rentals, Lawrence, Kan.
Regional directors are: Stan Crumbaugh of Beagles Rental Centers, Independence RentAll, Kansas City, Mo., representing Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota; Thom Dill of Dill Rental & Sales, West Jordan, Utah, representing Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming; Larry Steele of Aurora Rents, Shoreline, Wash., representing Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington; J. Barry Ghiglione of Handyman Rental Centre, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, representing Canada; and Steve O’Hearn, marketing manager of John Deere Construction and Forestry Division, Moline, Ill., who will represent ARA members worldwide.
Goodyear has appointed Dave Beasley director of sales and Al Cohn manager of strategic initiatives/communications. Beasley will be responsible for new, replacement and retread tire sales to national accounts, strategic accounts and dealers. He will also be responsible for OE sales. Cohn will coordinate all of Goodyear’s commercial tire events, product launches and trade media relations. He’ll also be involved in strategic sales and marketing initiatives.
Olivia Grider
