News roundup: Ariens names new group president of equipment business

Larry WeyersLarry Weyers

Larry Weyers will start his new role as Group President – Ariens Power Equipment today, according to the company.

Weyers will be responsible for all aspects of product development, manufacturing, supply chain, sales and marketing for the business unit.

He has more than 25 years of experience in the durable goods industry, coming from The Manitowoc Company where he worked for 18 years. His most recent position there was as executive vice president for the tower crane division. He has also worked for Kubota Tractor Corporations and Woods Equipment.

“Larry’s extensive management background will allow him to draw on core skills in manufacturing, as well as experience in sales and marketing, and acquisitions, to meet our current level of demand for recent product launches while continuing to bring new products to market,” said Dan Ariens, chairman and CEO. “I’m confident Larry will support and promote our company core values as he works with the equipment management to grow the business.”

Weyers graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Madison and has a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification. Aside from this, he also grew up re-building engines at his family’s dealership in Wisconsin.

“With roots in the equipment industry, Larry personally understands our customers and our sales channels,” Ariens said.

Ariens Company equipment brands include Ariens Sno-Thro and Sno-Tek snow throwers, Ariens land and gardens equipment, Gravely commercial equipment and Countax and Westwood garden tractors.

NALP creates new director of state and local government relations role

The National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) has created the new role of director of state and local government relations and announced Bob Mann will fill this new position.

logo for National Association of Landscape professionalsMann is formerly the agronomist for Lawn Dawg and is Landscape Industry Certified. He graduated from the Stockbridge School of Agriculture with a degree in turf management and from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst with a degree in agricultural economics.

He has served as the president of the Massachusetts Association of Lawn Care Professionals. He has also worked on NALP’s Lawn Care Committee, Public Affairs Advisory Council and was on the Board of Directors of Professional Lawn Care Association of America (PLCAA).

“We are thrilled to have Bob join us on staff in our expanded government relations department,” said Sabeena Hickman, NALP CEO. “His technical knowledge combined with his association and political experience make him a perfect advocate for us at the state and local levels, which are so critically important.”

Mann will be working from his house in Massachusetts. He can be reached at [email protected].

Komatsu America Corp. contributes to Hurricane Harvey relief efforts

Komatsu announced on Sept. 1 that it will be providing a $250,000 donation to the American Red Cross to help with Hurricane Harvey relief efforts.

komatsu logoIt also will match dollar-for-dollar all contributions made by Komatsu America and subsidiary-company employees. These companies include Komatsu Mining Corp., Komatsu Financial, Modular Mining Systems Inc., Hensley Industries Inc. NTC America Corp., Komatsu America Industries LLC, Gigaphoton USA, Komatsu Forklift USA, Komatsu Equipment Company, Komatsu SouthWest, F&M Equipment Ltd., Komatsu do Brasil Ltda., Komatsu Cummins Chile Arrienda S.A. and Komatsu Holding in South American Ltda.

There are more than 1,000 Komatsu-affiliated staff members and their families in the state of Texas alone.

“Speaking on behalf of the Komatsu family of companies, we have been moved by the stories of loss, courage and comradery coming out of the storm-damaged areas in the wake of Hurricane Harvey,” said Rob Schrader, CEO of Komatsu America Corp. “We are pleased to support the American Red Cross in their efforts to help families and communities begin the journey towards recovery and rebuilding.”

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