21.10.2005

All change at Haulotte US

Tom Stachurski, Mike Reddick and Frank Lyons have all left Haulotte North America after less than a year on the job.

It is understood from local sources that Bernie Kiekebosch who currently heads up Haulotte Australasia will take over the American operation as part of his remit.

Vertikal Comment

The American market has been a struggle for Haulotte as might be expected, for a European based producer trying to break into the home of powered access and the worlds top two producers.

It has also been dogged with misfortune. An anti French mood swept the country following the French governments refusal to join president Bush’s invasion of Iraq, At the time Haulotte was in the midst of a big push to win market share, with a large number of units out on sale or return demonstrations.

Then as things began to settle down the Euro began to climb steeply not helping the company’s competitive position.

Haulotte is not one to give up easily though, so expect this set back to be followed with a renewed effort. It does also have a number of local dealers and agents who will of course be unaffected by these departures.