Columbus McKinnon Names New Executive Director, Global Product Strategy and Development

AMHERST, N.Y. (Jan. 23, 2014) – Columbus McKinnon Corporation announced that, effective Jan. 20, 2014, Jeff Armfield has been named Executive Director, Global Product Strategy and Development. Mr. Armfield will be responsible for developing a cross-functional product development and engineering team with the goal of improving the process of product design and execution plans centered around market needs, while increasing the Company's development cadence. He will be responsible for strategic planning of the Company's primary products and brands across the globe focusing on world class quality, cost, delivery and logistical performance. Timothy T. Tevens, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "Jeff brings the leadership and experience needed to navigate effective new product development from the design phase through execution globally. Product development is a critical function to ensure that we successfully maintain our strong market position in developed markets, and to drive further penetration in emerging markets." Prior to joining Columbus McKinnon, Mr. Armfield served as the Global Director -- Engineering and Product Management for AxleTech International, LLC, where he had leadership responsibility for AxleTech's global product development. Prior to that role, he had global business development responsibilities for the company and led the construction, startup, and operation of AxleTech's North American aftermarket operations facility in Troy, MI. Prior to AxleTech International, Mr. Armfield was an engineering manager at Stewart & Stevenson Tactical Vehicle Systems (now part of BAE Systems). Mr. Armfield earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from North Carolina State University, a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University, and holds an MBA from the University of Michigan with a Manufacturing Concentration credential from the University's Tauber Institute for Global Operations. Columbus McKinnon is a worldwide designer, manufacturer and marketer of material handling products, systems and services, which efficiently and ergonomically move, lift, position and secure materials. Key products include hoists, actuators, cranes and lifting and rigging tools. The Company is focused on commercial and industrial applications that require the safety and quality provided by its superior design and engineering know-how.