The company is the UK arm of Scaglia Indeva, an Italian manufacturer of bespoke manipulators and accompanying lifting attachments.

Woodley has vast experience at director level with other manufacturing companies and previous worldwide sales roles, says Indeva UK, as well as a degree in Mechanical Engineering and MBA from the University of Sheffield.

Woodley said: “I am delighted to be working with one of the most innovative and respected companies in the sphere of intelligent handling, and look forward to leading our UK team to deliver the requirements of this demanding and challenging sector.”

Indeva Group CEO Stefano Scaglia said: “Our company has innovation in its blood and we look for senior people who will lead their teams to open new markets and provide customers with truly world-beating intelligent handling solutions. I am pleased to welcome Richard Woodley to the Scaglia Indeva ‘family’ to run what is one of our most important operating countries, and me and my team in Bembrilla, northern Italy look forward to working with him and providing the support to help him succeed in his role.”