Renault manufacturing veteran joins Manitou as division president

A Renault manufacturing specialist, Eric Lambert, has joined Manitou as president of its RTH (Rough Terrain Handling) division, which includes telehandlers, rough terrain forklifts and aerial platforms. Mr Lambert, 43, replaces Christian Caleca who recently left Manitou.

Mr Lambert brings extensive experience in manufacturing. While at Renault between 1994 and 2009, his track record included metal cutting in Sandouville, innovation project leader at the Guyancourt Technocentre, project leader for the Logan car with Romanian partner Dacia, deputy director of Renault's Douai factory, and manufacturing coordinator for all Renault plants.

Since 2009 he has been managing director of the Aix-les-bains site with Alstom Grid, specializing in high voltage gas isolated substations.

Jean-Christophe Giroux, Manitou president and chief executive officer, said; "Eric Lambert brings a fresh look, a manufacturing background and personal leadership which together represents real assets for our operational recovery. I am convinced he will be for RTH, Manitou's flagship, a powerful change agent to move away from the past and create a better future."

Mr Lambert said he was excited to join a market leader with growth potential and eager to "revisit RTH operational chain for a better support of our dealers and customers."

The RTH division had sales of €586 million in 2010, which represents 70% of Manitou's total €838 million in revenues. The division employs 1700 people at four locations: Ancenis, Candé and Laillé (Pays de Loire, France) and Castelfranco (Bologna, Italy).