Food & Drink Process & Packaging Issue 23 2019 | Page 55

Fork Lift Truck Association Appoints New Chief Executive The Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA) has “As a sponsor of the FLTA Annual Awards One of his most pressing challenges turned to one of the most experienced for Excellence for many years Tim has will be working with F-TEC and BITA to and best respected figures in the already proved himself a good friend to this drive the recruitment of apprentices and materials handling industry in appointing Association and is a genuine forklift truck encourage ever-greater upskilling. its new Chief Executive. man.” Tim Waples will join the UK’s leading Mr Waples’ appointment comes at a time Nealon explained “Tim is a natural and authority on the supply, servicing when the recruiting and development of approachable leader with the ability to and operation of materials handling engineers within the fork truck sector has galvanise and develop those around him. equipment on1st March 2019. reached near-crisis point. In recruiting Comfortable in operating at the highest Tim, the FLTA will draw upon a lifetime of levels he succeeds in retaining the closest practical and strategic experience. Having engagement with dealers, manufacturers, begun his career as an apprentice, he suppliers and end-user customers. He rose rapidly through the ranks, working brings exceptional commercial experience in both service and sales roles, ultimately and expertise to the post in what looks becoming head of Doosan where he certain to mark a new era of growth for the prioritised engineer training and dealer Association. Beyond this he is a true “fork- development. trucker” and is fluent in all things forklift.” “I’m delighted that Tim has accepted the position” said Association Chairman Duncan Nealon. “He is the perfect fit for our organisation and brings with him a wealth of experience and a truly in-depth knowledge of this industry. “His experience in developing one of the strongest and most effective dealer networks while at Doosan Industrial Vehicles positions him extremely well for engaging with our membership while his time as President of the British Industrial Truck Association (BITA) gives him an unrivalled perspective of the wider industry. Announcing the appointment, Duncan As a key member of the BITA Board – where he achieved the rare distinction of serving a second term as President – he was influential in the creation of F-TEC, the forklift industry’s dedicated engineering training centre, created in conjunction with the FLTA itself. Fork Lift Truck Association www.fork-truck.org.uk 01635 277577 FDPP - www.fdpp.co.uk 55