Multiquip combines divisions as part of restructuring

Multiquip is to integrate its General Construction Equipment (GCE) and MQ Power divisions and promote a single Multiquip brand. Multiquip said the move had been prompted in part by the global recession and that the new structure would position it for future growth.

Previously, the GCE division marketed a wide range of small to medium sized construction equipment under the Multiquip, Stow and Sanders Saws brands, while MQ Power sold a range of portable generators.

Bob Graydon, the former Power Division president who becomes senior vice president of sales, marketing and planning following the restructuring, told IRN that the MQ Power name was likely to be retained for the power generation products, although it was probable that the twin-brands used for its small construction equipment - Stow and Multiquip - would be consolidated to just Multiquip. Mr Graydon said the Sanders Saws brand will also be retained.

Sales and operational resources have been consolidated, and dedicated facilities - such as the power location in Dallas, Texas - will in future handle a wider range of products, said Mr Graydon.

The integration of the two divisions has also resulted in changes in management. In addition to Bob Graydon's new position, Gary Moskovitz, previously the company's executive vice president, is now president and chief operating officer, serving under Tom Yasuda, existing chairman and chief executive officer.

Mike Howlett, former GCE division president, takes on the new position of senior vice president of Operations; and Torsten Erbel has been promoted to vice president of product management, engineering and customer support.

"Multiquip has a very strong reputation for quality, reliability and service," said Tom Yasuda, chairman and chief executive officer. "Our goal with these initiatives is to continue to provide our customers with the products and support they need, especially during these difficult economic times. Streamlining our business model and refocusing our resources will allow us to meet this goal and at the same time expand globally."

Gary Moskovitz said the initiatives would maintain Multiquip's commitment to "top-notch products and service, and will, at the same time, make us a more nimble and productive organisation."

Multiquip, based in Carson, California, was founded in 1973 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of New York-based ITOCHU International and its parent company, Tokyo-based ITOCHU Corporation.

Its product line includes rammers, rollers, plate compactors and other compaction equipment; portable lighting; concrete and masonry pumping, cutting, placing and finishing equipment; dewatering pumps; generators; welders and a broad range of portable power generation equipment, including the entertainment-industry specific Crawford line of studio generators and large containerized units ranging from 500 to 2000kW.

Multiquip also distributes products with brands including Mikasa, Denyo, Whiteman, Mayco, Essick, Sanders, Rammax, Stow, Collomix and EZ Grout.