Crabtree appoints senior director to drive innovation and growth

Gateshead-based manufacturing firm Crabtree has appointed a new senior director to support the company’s focus on product innovation and growth in component supplies, machine manufacturing and engineered solutions.

The metal decorating and coating equipment provider has promoted Alan Rutter to the new position. Alan join Crabtree as a technical trainee in 200 and his in the years since then moved into the business development team.

His knowledge of the manufacturing department allowed him to thrive on the business development side of the business, providing bespoke solutions to customers’ business needs.

Alan will be driving Crabtree’s sales strategy, which will include the supply of machines and OEM spare parts, as well as launching product innovations that will use automation to generate more efficient print processes.

Commenting on his appointment, Alan said: “I’m delighted to be taking up this position at Crabtree. Having been lucky enough to work in the business for as long as I have, and to be given the opportunities I have been given to progress in my career, I’m determined for everyone in the industry to enjoy the gold standard in customer relations we offer.

“I’m here to develop Crabtree by continuing to listen to the market and working closely with both existing and future customers.

“It’s important to me that we retain our core value of customer-orientated initiative, whilst implementing our development strategy. And my goal is to raise awareness of all the services that we offer, especially the bespoke and innovative solutions we provide – so that Crabtree can further build its presence across the industry.”

Rob Nichols, performance and HR manager at Crabtree, added: “Appointing Alan to this new role is part of Crabtree’s on-going commitment to deliver to the market a highly professional and bespoke range of quality products, services and support.

“His unique skill set and especially his engineering background, product knowledge and genuine desire to meet customer expectations is second to none. We therefore consider him to be the perfect individual to demonstrate to the market the significant advantages of working with Crabtree.”