Linde is to increase its involvement in the material handling industry as its UK chief joins the board of the British Industrial Truck Association (BITA).
The appointment of Massimiliano Sammartano, managing director UK at the firm, comes at the same time as two long-serving members of the trade body are to step down.
Sammartano said, “I am looking forward to my new appointment on the BITA board. BITA plays such a critical role in shaping the UK truck industry and it is important to Linde to contribute to this.”
Taking on the position of general manager of the Northern Europe and South Africa region in July last year, Sammartano’s contribution will be well received at BITA as the UK material handling industry copes with the conditions created by the uncertainty around Brexit.
Welcoming him to the board, BITA president Simon Barkworth said, “We are thoroughly delighted that he is joining. He represents one of the world’s largest material handling equipment manufacturers, and his experience, knowledge and wisdom will be put to good use as we enter what could be a very challenging time for the UK industry.”
Resignations accepted
BITA also recently accepted the resignations of its technical committee chair, Victoria Hutson, and director of the F-Tec forklift engineer training center Stan Harris.
JCB’s Hutson led a team that set technical standards that all new forklifts distributed by BITA members must meet, but has taken on a role outside of the material handling industry. Harris is retiring from his position, having been in the role for four years.
“We wish a fond farewell to Hutson and Harris, whose tireless work on behalf of BITA has made – and will continue to make in the future – a very significant improvement to everyone involved with the manufacturer, distribution, servicing and operation of fork lift trucks,” added Barkworth.
