Wolfgang Wegener

Columbus McKinnon president and chief executive officer Timothy T. Tevens commented, “Given our strategic focus on global growth and new products, expanding our European operations is the logical next step to leverage Yale’s very strong footprint there and the upcoming introductions of additional capacities of our new international-rated electric wire rope hoist line and other new products. This change, which integrates the Columbus McKinnon family of products under one sales entity in Europe, also supports our objective of expanding into emerging European markets which are undergoing rapid industrial development creating significant new demand for the kinds of products we manufacture.  With over 30 years experience in the material handling industry in Europe and an outstanding track record at Columbus McKinnon over the last decade, Wolfgang is the ideal person to lead our expanded European operations.”     

    To further support the expansion of its European business, the company also named Robert Clare as European Business Development Managing Director and Hans-Herbert Greif as European New and Emerging Markets Managing Director. Clare, who previously served as Managing Director of Yale’s operations in the United Kingdom, will oversee the integration of Columbus McKinnon products and brands into the European market. Greif, who also serves as Managing Director of Yale Germany, will be responsible for increasing revenues in new and emerging markets in Europe, with a focus on Eastern European countries.

Columbus McKinnon acquired Yale in 1996 when it bought Spreckels Industries, the predecessor company and former owner of Yale Industrial Products.