November/December 2019

Siemens Digital Industries (Siemens DI) has appointed Lee Fletcher as business development manager to spearhead growth plans and boost its value add to the agri-tech sector through technology innovation and services. UK agri-tech contributes £14.3 billion to the economy and employs around 500,000 people. This important sector has the focus of government with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), recently announcing £22.4 million funding towards new technologies that will transform farming and meet the needs of a growing population. Fletcher will be focussing on developing Siemens DI’s presence in the UK agri-tech supply chain and exploring how industrial digital technologies that have successfully enhanced productivity in industry can be deployed to aid productivity and outcomes in the agri-tech sector. He brings around 20 years of experience working with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and as a Food and Drink sector specialist as a springboard into his new role. Brian Holliday, managing director, Siemens Digital Industries said: “Lee has the right credentials and expertise to engage with key agri-tech companies and help them drive productivity through our well- proven Digital Enterprise technology.” Fletcher commented: “Siemens has some leading technologies which will assist our country wide agritech customers on the journey of automating and digitalising. With my breadth of experience and industry expertise, I look forward to significantly raise the profile of Siemens DI in the agritech industry.” Stauff Sheffield has appointed Ryan Cruickshank as area sales representative for the North West of England. He will report to area sales manager Matt Brierley. Cruickshank was born in Chester and raised in the small town of Ellesmere Port. He has lived in the local area all his life. In January 2011, he began an apprenticeship on the TTE (Training Tomorrow’s Engineers) scheme. After his initial 6-month level 2 NVQ Cruickshank was invited for a 2-week trial at Pirtek Ellesmere Port. Once his apprentice training was completed, Cruickshank was promoted to become one of the youngest mobile sales and service technicians at the age of 20. He spent nearly 6 years in this role. Cruickshank holds a Level 3 NVQ – advanced apprenticeship in mechanical engineering and manufacturing. He has also completed a ROSPA health and safety examination and holds City & Guilds certificates in fluid power engineering & hydraulic hose and fitting systems. Cruickshank said of his new appointment: “From my initial training within Stauff Sheffield I get a family feel and only positive comments from the staff about working for the company I’m about to begin my journey with. I’m testing myself in a new role and working towards building on the company’s impressive reputation.” In terms of the biggest challenges with his new role, Cruickshank cites adjusting to a new company and new tasks. “In my career I have only ever worked for one company and in one job role,” he said. “I’m new to the role of sales representative and although it’s an industry I’m familiar with it’s a change from my past job. However, it’s an opportunity I am looking forward too.” Stauff Sheffield appoints new area sales representative Bunting has appointed Stefano Maiaroli to head up business development in Italy and Southern Europe. This latest appointment is part of an ongoing strategy to develop additional export business for magnets, magnetic separators and metal detectors. Bunting is a designer and manufacturer of magnetic separators, metal detectors, magnets, magnetic assemblies and magnetising equipment. The Bunting European manufacturing facilities are in Redditch, just outside Birmingham, and Berkhamsted, both in the UK. “Locally based employees are tuned into the nuances of the market and provide better customer service,” said Simon Ayling, Bunting’s European managing director. “Stefano is our first appointment, focusing on Italy and the Mediterranean countries, but will not be our last.” Maiaroli is an experienced engineer with over 20 years’ experience of providing technical solutions. For nearly ten years, he has developed business in Europe for equipment manufacturers. This has included setting up distributorships and directly managing key accounts. Bunting’s export business from the UK into Europe has increased significantly in recent years. The latest appointment offers the opportunity to break into new market sector with proven products. “This is a very exciting opportunity,” said Maiaroli. “I was impressed by the vision of Simon and the management team. Bunting has a global presence and I am looking forward to enhancing that identity by developing business in Italy and the Mediterranean corridor.” Siemens to boost agri-tech business presence Bunting business development announcement www.hpmag.co.uk HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS November/December 2019 59