Snorkel appoints director of manufacturing operations

John Gill has joined Snorkel as the company's director of manufacturing operations and is responsible for Snorkel's Vigo Centre production facility in the United Kingdom.

Gill joins Snorkel from Terex Corporation, where he held the position of general manager and operations eirector for Coalville and Malaysia. Originally from the North East of England, he holds a post graduate diploma in welding technology from the University of Northumbria and a BSc in Metallurgy from Aston University.

Gill started his career with British Steel as a sponsored graduate before joining Komatsu UK Ltd. in 1987 in production engineering. During his 14 year tenure with Komatsu, he held positions within production quality and purchasing management, before being promoted to manufacturing director in 1997, where he had responsibility for manufacturing, purchasing and materials strategy development for Komatsu in Europe.

In 2001, Gill joined JCB as managing director for JCB heavy products Ltd., a role that he held for nine years, before transferring to JCB Loadall Ltd., where he spent a further five years as managing director of the telehandler division. Gill undertook an interim assignment with Siemens Wind Power in Denmark prior to joining Terex.

“We welcome John to the Snorkel team," said Matthew Elvin, Snorkel CEO. "He is a high caliber leader with a successful track record and an unparalleled knowledge of both manufacturing processes and the mobile construction equipment industry. John has the ability to implement manufacturing and operational strategies that will deliver a consistently high quality product that meets the expectations of our expanding global customer base.

“While John is ultimately responsible for our UK manufacturing facility, his expertise will be extremely beneficial in driving continued improvements across our manufacturing facilities globally and preparing the business for further growth.”

Of his appointment, Gill said, “I really believe that this role is a perfect fit. Snorkel is in a significant growth phase and there is a genuine focus on continuous improvement across all facets of the business. With my experience, I feel confident that I can help the UK manufacturing facility, and the wider business, to move to the next level in delivering high quality, cost-effective products that are safe, reliable and innovative to our customer base when they need them. I am also excited to be moving back to the North East of England.”