UK designer and manufacturer of vegetable handling solutions Haith has announced that it has appointed a new managing director.
Duane Hill takes over the role as Haith's managing director as Nigel Haith moves to the position of chairman as he prepares for semi-retirement.
Haith has been managing director since 1997 and has overseen the company's growth from a turnover of £6 million to well over £20 million.
'I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved during my time as managing director, but at 65, I want to enjoy a slower pace of life and pursue my hobbies and spend more time with my family,' Haith said in a statement.
'The board and I are very excited about the future and know that with Duane as managing director, the company, its team and the next generation of my family are in safe hands. I am really looking forward to seeing the company continue to grow under Duane's leadership, and I know the whole team will support him and play their part in the next chapter of the company.'
Hill (35) joined Haith Group in 2004 and, from starting on the shop floor, has worked his way up through key departments of the business, moving into sales in 2007 and becoming sales director in 2011.
'Nigel and the whole Haith family have been incredibly supportive to me, and I am grateful for the trust they have put in me over the years and particularly with this appointment,' said Hill.
'Over the last decade, the company has enjoyed considerable growth seeing its customer base both in the UK and overseas expand. The number of people we employ has increased, and we have reinvested profits to allow us to continue to innovate. I am very excited about the future and confident that with the new senior management team, we will guide the business to even more success as our customers continue to put their trust in Haith.'
Nigel and the Haith family continue to be Haith's majority shareholders and remain committed to the company's future growth.
Haith's heritage dates back to 1947, when Geoff Haith started to repair farm machinery before designing and manufacturing vegetable handling equipment. Today, Haith offers a comprehensive range of grading, washing, bulk handling, weighing, pre-pack systems and water treatment solutions, which are relied upon by some of the world's largest food producers and packing companies and farmers of all sizes in the UK and overseas.
