Ger Bloem

TIEL, The Netherlands Ger Bloem has been appointed managing director of Van Hooff Heftrucks and Hubtex Netherlands. He will focus on improving quality in the service department. Bloem previously managed the service departments of Geveke Zwaar Materieel and Stork. Former managing director Jan Jaap Wiersma has been appointed commercial director. BROOKFIELD, WI, United States Wisconsin Lift Truck Corp has promoted Jim Gerlach to assistant sales manager in south-east Wisconsin. Gerlach has more than 20 years' experience in materials handling. For the past three years, he was a Wisconsin Lift Truck sales representative.

David E Ritchie

VANCOUVER, Canada Ritchie Bros Auctioneers, has appointed David E Ritchie as chairman emeritus of the company, effective from November 30. Ritchie, a founder of Ritchie Bros, will step down as chairman of the board and a director. Ritchie Bros is the world's leading industrial equipment auctioneer. SYDNEY, Australia Mark Craig has been appointed spare parts manager for Manitou Australia's warehouse in Alexandria, Sydney. Craig has 30 years' experience in the construction industry, having worked for Marubeni Corporation, Dynapac Australia Pty Ltd and JLG Industries. He began his career in the service industry as a plant mechanic, before moving into spare parts.