handling front cover story l


Over the past five years the Bendi company has gone through some exciting changes as the Bendi product has matured from niche to mainstream in the UK. Whilst the core Bendi has attained many enhancements and retained its dominant market- leading position, the company has seen non-core products evolve and flourish in several directions.


New horizons T


hese new additions to the Bendi family are opening up new market places, taking Bendi beyond the warehouse and into retail, manufacturing, and cold storage sectors that were previously inaccessible to them.


Overseas ambition


Three years ago, Bendi decided to proactively export its extensive range of products and has received a warm welcome in the southern hemisphere on both sides of the Atlantic. Export sales, under the newly-promoted export sales director Andy Higham, have gone from a standing start to representing 33% of sales in 2011. With the launch of Bendi Europe earlier this year, Bendi is confident of mirroring that success throughout mainland Europe.


Bendi Europe, based near Paris, was founded by Gary Griffin who has a wealth of experience in the European materials handling markets after successful careers with both Jungheinrich and Manitou. Bendi Europe will be responsible for sales in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the Benelux countries.


Here in the UK, Bendi has also got ambitious plans for growth, starting with the appointment of two regional sales directors from within its existing sales team. Both Paul Berrow and Stephen Astbury have gained valuable industry knowledge and experience, with over 20 years' collective service at


16 ShD March 2012 www.PressOnShD.com


Bendi. This has led to the first of two new sales areas being created and filled with a promising new salesman. Asked about the recent appointments, Bendi managing director Simon Brown commented: “The term “family” is as much a part of the ethos of Bendi as is the innovative products we are famous for, so I am delighted I am able to make those appointments from within rather than have to look outside the business. To further strengthen our position as


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