Cooper Specialised Handling, the dedicated heavy handling division of Cooper Handling Group, has appointed Martin Dale as sales manager for the northern regions of the UK.

Martin was previously one of Cooper's technical engineers, based on site at the Hams Hall Rail Freight Terminal near Sutton Coldfield and with responsibility for mobile engineering.

He brings a wealth of industry experience to his new role, which will involve overseeing sales and rental of new and used heavy lift trucks and container handlers. Martin will also be responsible for the complete range of Mantsinen material handlers, for which Cooper Specialised Handling is the UK distributor. 

Commenting on the newly created role, Cooper Handling Director David Cooper said: "We congratulate Martin on this exciting new appointment. He has shown real drive and ambition to develop his career in sales, which we welcome, and we wish him well in his new role.

Although it is commonplace in some industries for engineers to switch into sales, it is especially rare within heavy lifting materials handling. However, for Cooper this latest development is nothing new, as the company has significant, positive experience of strengthening its sales department with individuals from an engineering background.

David continued: "Both Peter Astley (now retired) and Chris Barnes were field engineers prior to joining our sales team and demonstrated that a sound technical knowledge is essential when engaging with customers of large and specialised handling equipment.

"We believe, when it comes to electrical and electronic systems, as well as general maintenance and major component overhaul, who better to talk it through than those who have done it all practically - and in a real customer-orientated environment?"

Martin, who lives in Sheffield, says: "I've always found Cooper Handling to be open to new ideas and different ways of working, and it has proved that, with the right training, engineers can make a real difference in sales.

"I relish the chance to use the consultative approach the company adopts to satisfy customer needs to help drive the business forward."