Palfinger Italy integrates with global company

Palfinger Platforms Italy (PPI) will be integrated into the global Palfinger organisation, with new managing director Marcello Fortunato overseeing the process. 

According to the Austria-based manufacturer of loader cranes and truck mounts, its entry into the 3.5 tonne truck mount segment, with the establishment of PPI in 2013, played a major role in its succes in that product segment, with Italy being its most significant market.

Now, the company is seeking to further strengthen its market position by realigning the aerial platform product range, as well as the Italian set up.

The process will be led by Marcello Fortunato, who becomes managing director of PPI, in addition to his current role as vice president of global sales and operations planning.

Marcello Fortunato becomes managing director of Palfinger Platforms Italy (PPI).

Fortunato replaces Paolo Balugani, who earlier this month announced he was stepping down from the role to seek new opportunities. Fortunato, who has more than 20 years’ experience in large multinationals and machinery production, joined Palfinger in 2018. Since then he has helped implement the Global Palfinger Organisation (GPO).

Fortunato will now focus on fully integrating PPI into the GPO and, the company said, ensure that customers and business partners in Italy profit from the new structure. Reiterating the importance of the Italian business, alongide the plans for global growth, Fortunato said, “Italy is a core market which deserves our total commitment. Together with our partners we shape the future.”

From now on PPI’s product development will be guided by Gerald Pschernig, who has long-standing experience in Palfinger’s loader crane product line. Pschernig will be tasked with reinforcing the product division, increasing its scale and realising the full potential of global distribution.

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