Lift Turn Move Ltd. (LTM) has promoted Robert Price to managing director of the Wirral, UK-based supplier of lifting and rigging equipment to the industrial and entertainment markets, reporting directly to the board of directors.
Price, previously general manager and, before that, head of sales, will lead the ongoing growth of the business, following the June 2018 acquisition by GIS AG, the Swiss electric chain hoist and light crane manufacturer, which remains outright owner. LTM distributes the full range of GIS hoists, control systems, material handling equipment and components.
David King, director at LTM, said: “The progression [of Price] from GM to becoming a director was always an aim, mainly to ensure continuity of the company going forward. He has been involved with GIS electric chain hoists since 1998 and this was an important factor in the board’s long-term planning.”
Price said: “I am taking over at the point where the company is in a really good position, which is testament to the exceptional effort the whole team has put in since the acquisition. I am also extremely honoured that the board of directors has this level of confidence in me.”
King added: “It was important that the person who succeeded my role had both the experience and drive to continue to lead the company, as GIS would demand. That is what we have in Rob; someone who is experienced, loyal, and determined to succeed and take the business on the next part of its journey. This will benefit both the customers and the employees here at LTM, which, again, was important in the decision-making process.”
Since acquisition, King has largely served to provide a connection between LTM and GIS, ensuring that strategic plans remain in alignment. Price is expected to now take a lead on this activity, while King will remain in a supporting capacity, as the business retains his near two decades of experience, gathered since LTM inauguration.
LTM expansion
In the short-term, Price will continue to oversee the sales department, focussing specifically on complex projects and longstanding, regular customers. However, internal and external development of the team will be a mid-term project. As part of this process, Elise Stuart, sales office coordinator, will transition into a managerial sales position.
Price continued: “We already have 12 key employees in place, giving us stability and the foundations for growth. However, we recognise that the business is becoming increasingly global, and we must equip ourselves for that journey. Even this year, [GIS] has increased their production capability to ensure that we can deliver against increased demand from the worldwide industrial and entertainment sectors.”
As well as the GIS head office and manufacturing facility in Switzerland, the company owns subsidiaries in Germany, the UK, and now the U.S., through GIS Corporation. GIS Swiss Lifting Solutions, meanwhile, is already renowned globally. Price and King both pointed to hallmarks of the entire operation: healthy stock availability, competence in sales, fast reaction time, and longevity.
Price added: “Business in general is good; the focus on GIS equipment means we are committed to delivery of high-quality service for all of our customers, in both of our core markets.”
- LTM, located in Bromborough on the banks of the River Mersey, was founded in 2004 and is a full member of the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA).