The death has been announced of John Iles (83) the founder of
Merlo UK.
John Iles began his material handling career in 1973 when he joined Manitou Site Lift. In those days it was based on an industrial site near Southampton, where the Manitou Rough Terrain forklifts arrived from France. He was instrumental in twice finding the company's new locations, including to the UK company’s current home town of Verwood in 1979.
He left Manitou in 1993 at the age of 56 in order to set up his own business and agreed a 50/50 joint venture with Italian telehandler manufacturer Merlo to establish Merlo UK, which he based in Ringwood, not far from the Manitou UK base.
He retired in 2011 after Merlo UK had become a full subsidiary of Merlo Group
In a tribute, Merlo Group say "It’s fair to say that John probably did more to progress the development of the UK materials handling industry during the 1970’s, 80’s & 90’s than just about anyone else. His career spanned long periods working with both Manitou and Merlo him positioning him at the forefront of driving the developments that saw a seismic shift from the use of rough terrain masted forklifts to what was then a new concept of the telescopic handler.”
“Indeed as many people might be considering taking it easy and putting their feet up, John upon retiring from Manitou in 1993 embarked into a 50/50 joint venture with Merlo Group to establish Merlo UK."
"Starting out from offices in Christchurch Road, Ringwood with storage and machine preparation located at the Chandlers Ford depot of Selwoods, the interest in these innovative green Merlo machines from Italy soon flourished. Utilising John’s extensive knowledge of the UK market comprehensive agricultural and construction networks were promptly established.
“There is no denying John’s efforts and actions in those formative years laid the groundwork that has paved the way for what Merlo UK looks like today. John retired from Merlo UK in 2011, having spent the previous 18 years putting Merlo on the map in the UK.”
