January/February 2019

NEW FACES 56 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS January/February 2019 www.hpmag.co.uk Power transmission component manufacturer KTR UK has appointed Mark Humphrey as its new business development manager in charge of Distribution. The 28-year-old will be tasked with working on a national level with KTR’s existing distribution network, as well as identifying and developing opportunities with new business. Humphrey joins the firm from a previous role as product development manager at Proctor & Gamble, where he worked in a regional role tasked with develop of product stock programs and building relationships within the industry. He said: “I’m excited to be joining the team at KTR and meeting the challenges of working in a new industry. KTR UK has a great reputation for quality which is always a great starting point for promoting products and building relationships. I’d like to think my own experience outside the power transmission industry can bring some fresh ideas and the support I’ve received already has been great. I’ve always enjoyed the customer side of business and look forward to making some new connections and building new relationships.” KTR UK, based in Sheffield, is a fully owned subsidiary of German coupling manufacturer KTR Systems GmbH, a company with over 60 years’ experience in the design and production of coupling for rotating power transmission. Pneumatic Components (PCL), the designer, manufacturer and distributor of pneumatic and tyre inflation systems, has appointed two new area sales managers. Michael Dooker will cover the North of England and Scotland while Garry Tindle will be responsible for the central region. Both bring considerable market knowledge to PCL. Tindle previously worked within sales for the automotive division of Würth Group, a worldwide wholesaler of fixings and fasteners. Dooker was previously a product sales manager at Brown Brothers Distribution, part of PPG Industries, the supplier of automotive finishes. Simon Shorter, sales director at PCL, said: “We’re looking forward to Michael and Garry leading our sales operations in their respective areas and working to build on the momentum from what has been a very successful year for the business. “These appointments demonstrate that PCL is gearing up for another year of significant success, and their sector experience and desire to deliver first-class customer service means we will be going into 2019 with the right people to help us achieve this.” Two new sales recruits at PCL KTR UK welcomes new national distribution manager It looks like second time around is proving to be a positive move for Pete McGrath as he re-joins Albion Valves – the supplier of commercial valves and fittings – in the newly created position of national contracts manager. McGrath originally enjoyed Albion as a regional sales manager, before leaving to work on the merchant side of the commercial valves business with Western Automation, the company he left to join Albion originally. His new role sees him take responsibility nationally for encouraging main contractors and consultants to work with Albion on major contracts; with McGrath offering assistance on projects from start to completion – supported by Albion’s network of independent distributors. Although it’s early days, it seems that this new appointment is already helping Albion to extend its reach across the country. Thinking about the scope of this new position, McGrath said: “As it’s a new role the job may evolve but, the biggest challenge initially will be time management as I am looking after the whole of the UK. However, this bigger scope offers even bigger potential – something I am keen to maximise.” With almost 30 years’ industry experience, McGrath has extensive product knowledge and good technical know-how but, most of all, it’s his understanding of what distributors, contractors and OEM’s need that sets him apart. A natural communicator, McGrath is equally at home whether he’s in the boardroom with senior buyers or onsite with engineers. New role, familiar face at Albion Valves Garry Tindle. Mark Humphrey. Pete McGrath.