Mike Berry Appointed Managing Director of 600 Europe
Mike Berry has been appointed Managing Director of 600 Europe, responsible for managing and developing the Group’s newly centralised machine tools business in the UK and Continental Europe.
600 Europe was established as a part of the Group’s move to a simpler business model. All the Group’s European warehousing facilities and inventories were consolidated into a central logistics operation in Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire, during the recently completed restructuring programme. The new logistics centre is a shared service within the Machine Tools Division and covers all the Group’s global markets.
The move to a central operation will enable 600 Europe to service its markets more efficiently and deliver improved levels of customer service. A sales office with spares and service support has, however, been retained in Stuttgart, Germany, to ensure that 600 Europe is able to provide a quality aftersales service to all European markets.
The Group’s 180,000 sq.ft. Heckmondwike site is now a complete machine tools competence centre, providing development, applications and associated support expertise for the entire Machine Tools Division.
In addition to the Group’s full range of manual and CNC machines, 600 Europe is also responsible for the component businesses of Pratt Burnerd, Crawford Collets and Parat Toolholding.
Mike, who joined 600 Lathes as Director of Business Development Europe in 2001, has vast experience of the Machine Tools market. He has held a number of key positions within The 600 Group since joining in 2001 and was, most recently, General Manager of 600 UK. Prior to joining 600 Lathes, Mike was a Director of Binns and Berry in Halifax for 25 years.
Mike Berry said: “600 Group’s own brands have a solid reputation across Europe for high quality, good value lathes and work holding equipment. The Group has built a key position in the machine tools market and it is our intention to develop our manufacturing capabilities and strengthen our brands even further. Unlike many of our competitors, the Group is not holding excessive stock and this gives us the scope to launch new products and develop and improve our existing ranges.
“The 600 Group, under the direction of our Chief Executive, David Norman, took rapid steps very early in the economic downturn to reduce overheads and assess its best market position, not only to withstand the recession, but to emerge from it a stronger business, better able to exploit the opportunities which inevitably result from economic turmoil.”
David Norman, Chief Executive, said: “Mike has nearly 35 years’ experience in the machine tools business. He has made a valuable contribution to the Group since 2001, particularly during the recent successful, but demanding, restructuring. His profound knowledge of the machine tools industry and exceptional management skills will lead 600 Europe into an exciting new era.”
For further information contact:
Mike Berry, Managing Director - 600 Europe
Tel: +44 (0) 1924 415000
Keeley Clarke, Rawlings Financial
Tel: + 44 (0) 1653 618016
