The European association of abnormal road transport and mobile cranes (ESTA) has paid tribute to Gerhard Kaupert from Manitowoc and Martin Lottes from Tadano Faun, who are both set to retire this year. Meanwhile, Zuidnatie is celebrating Marc Van Aken, who has been working – and continues to work – in the port industry for 40 years.
Both Kaupert and Lottes have represented the European materials handling federation (FEM) in the European regulations working group, which has worked alongside ESTA on technical issues affecting mobile cranes. Additionally, both were FEM representatives in the International Crane Stakeholders Assembly (ICSA), as well as regularly contributing to ESTA’s spring and autumn meetings.
Kaupert – an engineer by background – joined Krupp Mobile Cranes in 1988, remaining with the firm during its takeover by Grove in 1995 and then Manitowoc’s acquisition of Grove in 2002, having been head of development and design for 15 years by that point. Becoming director of special projects in 2008, he has worked for Manitowoc and as an engineering consultant since 2011.
Having graduated in mechanical engineering, Lottes is currently a development engineer for Tadano Faun – having worked for the company for almost 37 years after joining in 1988. For most of this time – which has included Tadano’s acquisition of Faun from O&K in 1990 – he has worked as a pre-development manager.
“For many years, ESTA and the entire industry have had the benefit of their commitment, deep knowledge and extensive experience,” said ESTA director Ton Klijn. “But even more important than that, both Gerhard and Martin were great friends and supporters of our work. All of us owe them heartfelt thanks and we wish them well in their retirements.”
Zuidnatie has been celebrating 40 years in the port industry for Marc Van Aken, the company’s commercial director. He joined the industry in 1985, having worked for DP World prior to joining Zuidnatie – the latter of which he joined in 2013.
