Barker Trailers has appointed a number of new senior management staff in a bid to re invigorate its operations and attack the coming year.
Acting managing director, Scott Barker, believes reinvigorating the senior management team will set the company in good stead for the years ahead.
“The new appointments have enabled Barker to employ the very best in the field – strengthening what we can take to market and how we take it there”, he said.
Joining the business is manufacturing operations manager John Hickey who has more than 30 years experience in heavy engineering, manufacturing and business development.
John has previously worked at Gemco Rail and Alstom Transport in senior management positions, responsible for business performance improvement. With efficient manufacturing processes critical to the company’s success, “Having John come to Barker, with extensive knowledge in this area, means we can maintain a competitive price point throughout a changing market and customer base”, Scott said.
Kevin Hooper has taken up the role of engineering manager, bringing more than 20 years of manufacturing experience from various backgrounds. His expertise stems from working in large scale manufacture, research and development, customised product design and leading engineering teams.
To complete the trio, Ned Jeffery has taken the position of national sales and marketing Manager. With previous experience across the transport and agricultural sectors Ned brings a new perspective to positioning Barker Trailers to the market.
“There is something special about building a custom product. You see the excitement in the customer’s eyes when they pick it up”, Ned says, “but we also must think strategically and for Barker Trailers, that means getting a larger share of everyday fleet needs.”
The final piece to the management structure overhaul will be delivered shortly with the board of Barker Trailers announcing they are conducting an extensive search for a new CEO.and expect to make an appointment in the first quarter of 2016.
Barker Trailers are renowned for strong, quality trailers with often unique customisations. Given efficiency improvements and expansions in the company’s two manufacturing plants, Barker believes they can continue working with customers to provide those one off builds, as well as expand into more of the mainstay products of Australian road transport.
