22.07.2015

Snorkel goes direct in Germany

Aerial lift manufacturer Snorkel is moving to a direct sales and support operation in Germany and Austria- Ahern Deutschland.

The new entity, joins Ahern Australia, Ahern Japan and Ahern Canada that focus solely on regional equipment distribution, and do not offer equipment rental. Ahern Deutschland will provide sales and service Xtreme telehandlers as well as Snorkel work platforms.
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The company will be based at a in Weyerbusch in the Westerwald-Rhein/Sieg area between Cologne and Frankfurt. It has already acquired the 18,000 square metre facility and is modifying it to incorporate a showroom, office and training space, a fully-equipped workshop, a spare parts warehouse, and a yard for stock machines and a team of eight.
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Ahern Deutschland's new facility in Weyerbusch

The new distribution company will be led by Bernhard Kahn who joins the company as general manager. Kahn started his career as an independent service technician in the early 1990’s, before joining Skyjack dealer Bielefeld in 1996. He then joined Genie in 2000 as a territory sales manager and moving up to regional sales manager in 2008 and then sales director Germany, Austria and Switzerland in 2012. He left the company in March.
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Bernhard Kahn

The new operation will be officially launched at Platformers’ Days, in September
Snorkel owner Don Ahern said: “The German equipment market is significant both in terms of units and value, but also in terms of geography. To effectively support a market of this size requires investment in a direct operation. Ahern Deutschland was the natural next step for us as we grow our business, and we are looking forward to developing relationships with customers across Germany. Our new facility is also well placed to better support our existing distributors and customers across Southern and Eastern Europe with the supply of equipment and spare parts.”

Kahn added, “I have rarely experienced such a motivated team, but under Don Ahern’s lead and ownership, it feels like Snorkel and Xtreme are experiencing a veritable second spring. I am grateful and excited to be appointed as general manager of Ahern Deutschland. My goal is to provide our customers with high quality products, backed with the best customer service and fast after-sales support.”