IN FOCUS / TRT AUSTRALIA
NEIL WEBB – BACK IN AUSTRALIA AND FOCUSED ON GROWTH A name that is recognised within the Crane industry across Australia is Neil Webb. He was recently announced as an equity partner and the new general manager for the Australian operations of TRT. Webb discusses the reasons for landing at TRT and his plans for the local operation. FOR THE LAST NINE YEARS, NEILL WEBB has geen based in Indonesia, working for BT Berlian CranSerco, and a Terex dealer looking after cranes including Franna and Demag stackers and material handlers. “I worked heavily with Demag until the change of ownership to Tadano. Following that change, the operation became the Manitowoc and Grove dealer in Indonesia. At this time, I also moved into a new role as the Customer Support Manager looking after the sales, parts, and service division for Indonesia.” “During the pandemic I found myself working up to eight months away from my family. Over a 20-month period, I found myself at home for only two of them. It was a family decision for me to come home. Due to the COVID travel restrictions, I wasn’t sure when I was going to be able to get home, but I was able to stay on with CranSerco until I could get back to Australia. “The transition from Indonesia to Australia has been a fairly easy transition for me; the team here have been transparent, honest, and committed to our goals and how we can improve our business processes. It’s all been very encouraging. “The opportunity with TRT and the new general manager’s role came about after a number of conversations with the Carden family. This also led to discussing more than the GM role, www.cranesandlifting.com.au
and I am now an equity partner in the business, reflecting TRT’s commitment to our Australian customers. This is the first time the Carden family have extended ownership and it’s a great fit.” he said. There are challenges for Webb in terms of growing the TRT Australia business, but he has been impressed with what he has seen so far and is looking forward to developing the team around him. “TRT Australia is a very strong business, and this also reflects the current high levels of confidence from the crane industry, especially in Queensland. There are multiple infrastructure projects happening, including the construction of roads and bridges, and tunnelling; there is a massive pipeline planned for 2022 and beyond. And we haven’t even begun to talk about the vast number of projects required for the 2032 Summer Olympics. “From TRT’s perspective, we have a great product range including our own manufactured OEM products including the TIDD pick and Carry crane, heavy haulage trailers, ESS platform trailers as well as crane trailers and crane pads. All of which are all deeply rooted within the business. Our innovative, articulated TIDD Pick and Carry Crane which is completely designed, engineered, and manufactured in-house at TRT’s manufacturing facility in Hamilton,
Neil Webb was recently appointed as the new general manager and equity partner for the Australian operations of TRT.
“From TRT’s perspective, we have a great product range including our own manufactured OEM products including the TIDD Pick and Carry crane, heavy haulage trailers, ESS platform trailers as well as crane trailers and crane pads.”
New Zealand. At the moment with full control of the manufacturing process, we are able to deliver PC28’s in 4 months or less!” he said. “The TIDD is performing very strongly, with many of the major crane hire businesses seeing the high levels of safety features being the benchmark for Tier One construction sites. We also have the trailer range, again designed, engineered, and manufactured in New Zealand. There is a growing awareness January 2022 CAL / 97
