17.04.2026

From access to cows feet

Spider lift veteran Brian Falck Schmidt has left the access industry and moved to agriculture equipment.

He announced earlier this week that he had accepted a role as head of global sales with bovine hoof and care specialist KVK Hydra Klov, one of four companies in Denmark’s Granly group.

Brian Falck Schmidt has worked in the aerial lift industry for more than 30 years, having joined Falck Schmidt, the inventor of the first true spider lift, and at the time, the family company. Starting out at the beginning of 1995, he remained with the business through numerous owners. It began in 2005 when the Odense based manufacturer split its defence and aerial lift divisions.

Brian and cousin Michael chose access, while cousin Jan Falck Schmidt went with the defence business. The aerial lift business was acquired by Denka parent VT Holding and renamed World Lift Industries. Within the year, Michael left access for the defence business.

In 2010 Worldlift was acquired by Skako Industries, and the name Skako Lift was coined. The following year saw a Management Buy Out, and the name TCA Lift was chosen for Tall Compact Aerial. In 2017 Danish private equity firm Generationsskifte Invest acquired the business. In 2018 the company name was changed to Falcon, reflecting its product brand.

Sadly, last year the business was obliged to file for protection from its creditors due to its large debt load, and a very slow/poor-paying major customer. It emerged from administration a few months later, see: The Falcon returns , but it seems that after 31 years, half a dozen owners and five different company names, Brian Falck Schmidt has decided it's time for a new challenge.

Speaking of his move, which couldn’t have been an easy decision to take, he said:

“After more than 30 years at Falcon Lifts, it’s time to move on and pursue my next chapter. Looking back, I feel grateful for the opportunities I've had, the people I've met and the teams I've worked with.”

"I especially want to thank colleagues, customers and partners for your collaboration and support over the past three decades. It's been a privilege working with you. We created memories that I will always cherish.”

"Change creates momentum, and I am ready to embrace my new challenge. I am excited to have joined KVK Hydra Klov, part of the Granly group, as head of global sales. Thank you all at KVK for the warm welcome. I’m looking forward to working with you all and shall do my best to fulfil your expectations.”