Rockford, Illinois, U.S.-based The Caldwell Group Inc. has named lifting and spreader beam expert Malcolm Peacock business development specialist, effective today (October 7, 2019).

Caldwell, a manufacturer of below-the-hook lifting solutions for crane and material handling applications, conducts the majority of its work in North America but, supported by the Renfroe range of products, is targeting global growth. Peacock, who will continue to work from his base in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), is perfectly placed to capitalize on demand generated by the oil and gas market in the Middle East, while targeting other hotbeds around the world.

Doug Stitt, president and CEO at Caldwell, said: “Malcolm’s appointment allows us to extend our existing plans to leverage our Caldwell and Renfroe intellectual property in lifting applications globally. Over the past 50 years we have developed great business in North America but would like to take that renowned expertise in engineering and product application further afield.”

Peacock’s primary area of expertise is adjustable spreader beams but he will represent the entire range, including lifting beams, vacuum attachments, remote releasing hooks, and gantry cranes, from his prime location in the Emirates. Extensively travelled, Peacock understands the idiosyncrasies of global marketplaces and recognizes the importance of selecting the right tool for the application in hand.

Stitt said: “There are a handful of companies globally that make adjustable spreader beams but we feel that, based on our analysis and testing, we’ve created a better product with an improved design—and more customer-friendly programs and service. Malcolm can certainly help us leverage that in the marketplace.”

Peacock said: “I was in a transition period and the Caldwell opportunity met and exceeded the criteria I was looking for in my next challenge. I wanted to remain in the lifting industry and have made a home here in Abu Dhabi. Combined with my existing knowledge of the below-the-hook industry, it’s exciting to represent a much broader product range that can help existing and future partners with their varied lifting-related challenges.”

Stitt said: “First and foremost, Malcolm’s a good guy. Culture is very important at Caldwell so we want people that are going to be positive additions to that culture. Malcolm checks that box. Beyond that, he brings a significant amount of lifting experience. He’s travelled the world, working with customers in a variety of industries and applications. He’s now able to do the same type of development work that he’s excelled in previously, backed by the full breadth of our product range.”

He added: “I like to think of it as demand created the role for Malcolm; we were just fortunate to be able to take advantage of his skills and experience in addressing that demand. As we continue to work with our customer partners around the world, exposure to the full range of our lifting solutions helps create additional business. Further, Caldwell and Renfroe are very active in developing new and innovative products and services. Of course this adds to our total solution set of products and the cycle continues.”

Peacock steps into the role today, which coincides with global sales meetings at Rockford headquarters. He said: “It’s apparent that Caldwell’s success is built on listening to the customer, but I’m keen to learn as much as possible from my new sales colleagues before returning to Abu Dhabi and starting work in earnest.”