Machinex adds UK business development manager

Machinex, a recycling systems supplier based in Plessisville, Quebec, has announced that it has engaged Ian Smith as its business development manager for the United Kingdom. He will help to develop sorting and preprocessing solutions for new and existing customers.

Smith has more than 30 years of experience in the recycling, construction and electrical engineering industries, with a solid background in design and project management. He has worked on a number of multimillion-pound turnkey material recovery facility (MRF) installations within Europe and has consulted on small projects for independent recycling companies to large projects for major waste management companies, councils and local authorities. Smith also has experience managing teams of project managers, engineers and officers with a wide range of experience and ability.

He joined PPS Recovery Systems, Peterborough, England, in 1999 and has been at the forefront of the company’s development within the mixed dry recycling industry, primarily within the U.K. During this time, he worked with Machinex on projects within the U.K. as the technical consultant / project manager for the company or for the client. Some examples of his work with Machinex equipment include installations for UPM in North Wales, Norfolk Environmental Waste Services (NEWS) in Norwich, Norfolk, and Swindon Commercial Services in Swindon.

More recently, Smith has worked on specific projects as a technical consultant for Machinex and was involved in the Levenseat project in Lanark, Scotland, the Shanks Wakefield project in South Kirkby, U.K., and the Swindon project. During this time, the company says, he has developed an excellent understanding of the Machinex equipment and forged a strong working relationship with the company’s team and clients.

“Following a close working relationship on numerous projects, the choice of Ian was obvious as a business development manager,” says Jonathan Menard, Machinex executive vice president of sales and strategic positioning, says. “He has strong interpersonal skills and is extremely well-experienced within the recycling market. Ian is a highly motivated manager who constantly strives to deliver the best practices and innovative solutions in a constantly diversifying market. He is a natural leader and communicator with a proven ability to manage and complete projects to the highest standard. His areas of expertise include, but are not limited to, MRF operations and design, commodity sales, bids, logistics and meeting customer expectations. Ian continues to be an important asset to Machinex as he helps broaden U.K. sales and business development.”

“Becoming a member of the Machinex team is a form of continuity for me, and I am very pleased with my new role,” Smith says. “Between the energy and creativity of the engineering team, along with the company’s commitment to providing premier customer service to our partners, I am confident that we will be able to offer effective and economic solutions for our customers’ waste processing and diversion projects.”