[WRE | SPOTLIGHT]
installations, companies started to modify standard shackles to facilitate the subsea work. Most of these modifi cations are now considered substandard. Later on manufacturers started to modify existing
John Williams, operations manager for LEEA, presents the Innovation Award for Best Product to Anja van Beest at LiftEx 2013.
and nuts before, or after the lifting operations, was a diffi cult, and time consuming task. In order to simplify
products under controlled production conditions. An early pioneer, Van Beest launched the trade name Green Pin® in the 1970s to emphasize product quality, recognition and demand worldwide. Green Pin® shackles are manufactured in the Van Beest production unit in Sliedrecht, T e Netherlands. It is a genuine ‘Made in Holland’ product. Currently, not only shackles are sold under the name Green Pin®, but also other items, such as sockets, turnbuckles, and wire rope clips, to name a few. In 2007 Van Beest bought another production facility in Celles sur Durolle, France. In this factory they manufacture Excel hooks and chain components in grade 8, 10 and stainless steel. y
Q&A with CHRIS KEFFER, GM at Van Beest for US & Canadian Operations
V
an Beest has had a competitive presence in the Lifting & Rigging industry since 1922. In July, 2013, Chris Keff er joined the company
as the new General Manager. T e Wire Rope Exchange had a chance to talk with Keff er about his new role with Van Beest.
WRE: What were you doing prior to Van Beest?
Keff er: Prior to Van Beest, I spent 12 years in the Fastener Industry. I was National Sales Manager for Advance Components and most recently, Director of Sales for Houston-based NAPPCO Fastener Company.
WRE: What specifi c strengths do you bring to the company?
Keff er: I’ve successfully run several sales organizations in my career. I know how to grow a business and I know how to, or will fi nd a way to achieve my goals. I believe my leadership style and the way I communicate with my employees and customers has contributed to my success in Industrial Distribution. I look forward to a very long relationship with Van Beest and I look forward to the road ahead.
WRE: What goals have you set for yourself in 2014?
Keff er: My immediate focus is to contribute to VB’s success in increasing brand awareness, and letting our customers and future customers know that we’re here to take care of them.
My two main goals for 2014 are to, fi rst, diversify our product mix here in the USA. We are going to test the market with sockets and snatch blocks to compliment the rest of our rigging hardware. Second, we are going to be very aggressive in the sales aspect of the business. We’ve got the stock, we’ve got the knowledge, we’ll off er any and all support, and we’re here to stay.
WRE: What is your business philosophy?
Keff er: People buy from people. Off er a quality product at a competitive and fair price with exceptional customer service, build a solid relationship - and the business will follow. Be honest – your name, character and word are your best assets. y
18
JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2014
WIRE ROPE EXCHANGE
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