VOLLMER has appointed Martyn Cross as managing director of the VOLLMER UK subsidiary. Working alongside longstanding managing director, Peter Allen in the interim, Mr Cross has joined VOLLMER UK to build upon the strong growth already overseen by Mr Allen over the last 24 years.
Since the end of 2012, Mr Allen has filled two roles as both managing director of VOLLMER UK and president of VOLLMER of America. With the recent construction of a new facility at VOLLMER of America and the high demand for technologically advanced solutions in the UK as well as the US, Canada and Mexico, Mr Allen has made the conscious decision to fully focus his attention on the exceptional potential of the North American marketplace. With Martyn Cross joining the VOLLMER UK team, and following a handover/transition period, the company will have a dedicated managing director with decades of expertise in the cutting tool manufacturing sector.i
Mr Cross served a mechanical apprenticeship in the 1970s and has progressed his career from apprentice to applications engineer and on to positions such as technical sales manager, production manager and subsequently director with many of the world’s leading tool and cutter grinding machine tool manufacturers. He has also spent time working as an R&D manager at a prominent UK cutting tool manufacturer.
“We are delighted to appoint an engineer, manager and leader of Martyn’s calibre,” said Mr Allen. “Martyn’s industry knowledge, insights and reputation precede him. The experience that Martyn will bring to VOLLMER UK is second to none and his unfathomable relationships within the industry will certainly help to further enhance the position of VOLLMER in the UK.”
“The VOLLMER brand is growing exponentially with the launch of a completely new suite of machine tools launched at GrindingHub last year,” continued Mr Allen. “Not only is VOLLMER a full-line manufacturer of grinding, erosion and laser machine tools with a growing portfolio, but we have also introduced new brands and technologies to the group such as the ultraTEC ultrasonic deburring systems. To attentively support our customers in the UK and North America with the growing range of machine solutions, I have made the conscious decision after a lot of hard commitment to both subsidiaries, to gradually step away from the UK business and focus on the next chapter of my career with VOLLMER of America.”
“After serving as the UK managing director for more than 18 years, there will be a transition period where I will be introducing Martyn to our internal and external teams and also our company structures. During this period, I will also be introducing Martyn to many of our prestigious UK customers. I have little doubt that Martyn will build upon the growth the VOLLMER UK team is delivering and drive the company forward.”
