Tim Waples will join the UK’s leading authority on the supply, servicing and operation of materials handling equipment on 1st March 2019.
“I’m delighted that Tim has accepted the position,” said FLTA 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.
“As a sponsor of the FLTA Annual Awards for Excellence for many years Tim has already proved himself a good friend to this Association and is a genuine forklift truck man.”
Mr Waples’ appointment comes at a time when the recruiting and development of engineers within the fork truck sector has reached near-crisis point. In recruiting Tim, the FLTA will draw upon a lifetime of practical and strategic experience. Having begun his career as an apprentice, he rose rapidly through the ranks, working in both service and sales roles, ultimately becoming head of Doosan where he prioritised engineer training and dealer development.
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. One of his most pressing challenges will be working with F-TEC and BITA to drive the recruitment of apprentices and encourage ever-greater upskilling.
Announcing the appointment, Duncan Nealon explained “Tim is a natural and approachable leader with the ability to galvanise and develop those around him. Comfortable in operating at the highest levels he succeeds in retaining the closest engagement with dealers, manufacturers, suppliers and end-user customers. He brings exceptional commercial experience and expertise to the post in what looks certain to mark a new era of growth for the Association. Beyond this he is a true “fork-trucker” and is fluent in all things forklift.”
