Felling Trailers; LiuGong North America; Takeuchi-US

Felling Trailers, Sauk Centre, Minn.: Gary Knudsen, Felling Trailers’ regional sales manager who has been a part of the heavy equipment and transport industry for 42 years, has retired. During his career, Knudsen spent four years selling trailers with Towmaster and the last 13 years with Felling Trailers. He joined the Felling Trailers’ team in June 2008 as the North American outside sales rep. He provided dealer support for 10 states spanning from Alaska to North and South Dakota to Arkansas, Texas and the Canadian region.

LiuGong North America, Katy, Texas: Chris Saucedo has been named senior vice president, strategy and customer solutions. Saucedo will lead LiuGong North America’s go-to-market strategy and will focus on products, promotions and product support in the rental, quarry and aggregates, forestry, industrial and agricultural segments. Michel Marchand will assume the role of vice president of sales for the United States and Canada. Marchand will be responsible for all construction equipment and associated work tool and parts sales, while also providing leadership for LiuGong North America’s new dealer recruitment efforts. Jin Gang has been named vice president of finance and supply chain. Gang will lead LiuGong’s finance, accounting, parts operations, sales and operational planning and human resources teams. Jared Ward has been promoted to the newly created position of director for material handling sales. Steve Smith will continue in his role as director of sales for Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America. Sam Ternes has been named director, customer operational readiness and enrichment (CORE) team. Jim Westlake has been named director of technical solutions.

Takeuchi-US, Atlanta, Ga.: Joseph Huling, the national service and warranty manager for Takeuchi-US, is now overseeing the company’s technical service training department. In his expanded role as national service and training manager, Huling will support the company’s corporate sales efforts by providing exceptional product, training and support for Takeuchi’s dealers and distributors, as well as for customers who own and operate Takeuchi equipment.