Hermans Herftrucks acquires Allift MichielsensHermans Heftrucks acquires Antwerp equipment provider
Rijkevorsel, Belgium
Rijkevorsel-based Hermans Heftrucks has acquired Port of Antwerp-based materials handling equipment provider Allift Michielsens, for an undisclosed sum.
Hermans Heftrucks, part of the materials handling and lifting division of Heylen Group, says it is hoped the acquisition will help the business to increase its market share, “elevate” its service quality and expand its product range.
Allift Michielsens carries a range of forklifts, telehandlers, scissor lifts, and aerial work platforms.
Dennis Renders, CEO of Hermans Heftrucks says of the acquisition: “The complementary nature of our core business and rental fleet, the decades of experience of both companies, and our shared quality standards and family values, form the pillars of this promising collaboration”.
Associated Equipment Distributors raise funds for industry
Texas, United States
The AED Gala raised more than USD485,000
The Associated Equipment Distributors Foundation (AEDF) raised more than USD485,000 at its recent 10th Annual Gala & Live Auction, with the funds to be used for industry programs, training and research.
The gala was held as part of the Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) 2026 Summit, and was attended by more than 650 equipment industry leaders, members and supporters.
“We are incredibly proud of the support shown by our members and industry partners,” says AED Foundation chairman Ron Barlet, president of Bejac Corp.
“The success of this Gala really shows the strength and generosity of our industry. The funds raised will help the Foundation expand industry research, workforce development programs, support technical training and certifications, and ensure we have a skilled workforce for years to come.”
The Gala also recognised individuals and companies making outstanding contributions to the AED Foundation’s mission:
- Foundation Partner Award: George Russell and Bill Hoeg, Machinery Advisors Consortium - honoured for distinguished service and significant contributions to the foundation’s professional education goals.
- Foundation Champion Award: Eric Winkler, Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas - recognised for exceptional contributions to workforce development initiatives.
- Lester J. Heath III Award: Karmen Warner, SkillsUSA Washington - celebrating outstanding support of the Foundation’s education, accreditation, and workforce programs.
- VitalEdge Workforce Innovator Award: Ron Barlet, Bejac Corporation; Diane Benck, West Side Tractor Sales Co.; Walter Berry, Berry Companies, Inc.; Bill Buckles, Murphy Tractor & Equipment Co. Inc.; Whit Perryman, Vermeer Texas-Louisiana; Jeffrey Scott, Scott Machinery Company; Ken Taylor, Ohio CAT; Tim Watters, Hoffman Equipment Co. - honouring those who championed workforce initiatives and advanced the AED Foundation Vision campaign.
Bonfiglioli named Top Employer again
Bologna, Italy
Bonfiglioli receives Italian employer honour
Industrial gearmotor and drive systems designer and manufacturer Bonfiglioli, has been awarded Top Employer Italy 2026 certification, its third consecutive year to receive the prestigious honour.
“The certification, granted by the Top Employers Institute, recognises the effectiveness of Bonfiglioli’s strategies in fostering a high-performance work environment focused on skills enhancement, employee engagement and long-term professional growth,” the company states.
This year also marked the first time certification extended beyond Italy, with Bonfiglioli’s operations in Slovakia, India and the US also receiving the recognition.
The Top Employer certification is based on an independent assessment process which evaluates six key HR areas, including people strategy, work environment, talent acquisition and learning.