Leading designer and manufacturing of vegetable handling solutions, Haith, has announced the appointment of a new managing director. Duane Hill will take over the role as Nigel Haith transitions to the position of chairman as he prepares for semi-retirement.
Mr Haith has been managing director since 1997 and has overseen the company’s growth from a turnover of £6 million to more than £20 million. The Haith family will continue to be the majority shareholders and remain committed to the future growth of Haith.
“I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved during my time as Managing Director, but at 65, I want to enjoy a slower pace of life and pursue my hobbies and spend more time with my family,” said Mr Haith. “The board and I are very excited about the future and know that with Duane as Managing Director, the company, its team and the next generation of my family are in safe hands. I am really looking forward to seeing the company continue to grow under Duane’s leadership, and I know the whole team will support him and play their part in the next chapter of the company.”
Mr Hill joined the company in 2004, starting on the shop floor, and has worked his way through the key departments in the business. He moved into sales in 2007 and became sales director in 2011.
“Nigel and the whole Haith family have been incredibly supportive to me, and I am grateful for the trust they have put in me over the years and particularly with this appointment,” said Mr Hill. “Over the last decade, the company has enjoyed considerable growth seeing its customer base both in the UK and overseas expand. The number of people we employ has increased, and we have reinvested profits to allow us to continue to innovate. I am very excited about the future and confident that with the new senior management team, we will guide the business to even more success as our customers continue to put their trust in Haith.”
The company dates back to 1947, when Geoff Haith started to repair farm machinery, before going to design to manufacture vegetable handling equipment. Today, Haith offers a comprehensive range of grading, washing, bulk handling, weighing, pre-pack systems and water treatment solutions, which are sold throughout the UK and overseas.