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INDUSTRY NEWS Husqvarna Group announces management moves Husqvarna Group announced two management changes effective immediately. Michael Jones, executive vice president and head of business unit Americas, decided to leave the Group. Nicolas Lanus was appointed executive vice president and head of business unit sales and service Asia/Pacific and became a new member of Group Management. Earl Bennett, vice president and general counsel for Americas, was appointed acting head of Americas. He will be a member of Group Management until a replacement has been recruited. Jones, who joined Husqvarna in 2009, was hired by Lowe's to become its chief merchandising officer. "I thank Michael Jones for his valuable contributions to the Group and wish him all the best with his future endeavors," said Hans Linnarson, president and CEO of Husqvarna Group. Lanus joined Husqvarna in 2001 and has held numerous leadership roles within sales, marketing, product management and business development throughout Europe, Latin America and Asia/Pacific. Most recently, he served as vice president sales and service for the Asia/Pacific region. "Nicolas has broad experience within sales and business leadership," said Linnarson. "His knowledge of the various markets in the region Asia/Pacific will be of great importance for driving sales." Morbark, Inc. acquires Boxer Equipment from Mertz Manufacturing Townsend Tree Service first to gain new industry accreditation Morbark, Inc. completed the acquisition of Boxer Equipment, a product line of Mertz Manufacturing, LLC (Mertz), which manufactures and globally markets a full line of compact utility loaders (also known as mini skid-steers) and attachments. As part of the transaction, Morbark acquired all product designs, intellectual property and manufacturing tools, as well as existing parts, completed units and other inventory. The Boxer acquisition will enable Morbark to continue to solidify the company's strategy to build equipment that creates opportunities for its customers, dealer network and employees. This acquisition not only enhances those opportunities in Morbark's existing tree service and rental markets, but also allows Morbark to expand its market presence and current equipment offerings to a broader range of industries and end users, including, but not limited to, landscapers, irrigation and trenching contractors, property owners, and general contractors of all sizes. Steve Ballinger, president of Mertz, said, "In seeking the optimal buyer for the Boxer product line, we looked for a company that had its own manufacturing capability, as well as shared our desire to see the line continue to develop, grow and realize its full potential. We know without a doubt that Morbark shares this same vision and will apply the necessary resources to bring it to fruition." Manufacturing of the Boxer Equipment line, attachments and aftermarket parts, is currently being moved to Morbark's 1.1 millionsquare-foot factory and corporate headquarters in Winn, Mich. As manufacturing of the Boxer line begins in the first quarter of 2013, Morbark will be working with its authorized dealer network to ensure that existing and future customers receive unmatched service, after-sales support, and fast, efficient parts fulfillment. Commenting on the close, Jim Shoemaker, Jr., president of Morbark, Inc., said, "The strong strategic fit between our companies, combined with Morbark's expanded capabilities in product development, manufacturing and dealer distribution will enable us to efficiently maximize the value and long-term potential of the Boxer product line, allowing it to become one of the market leaders in the compact utility loader category." Townsend Tree Service is the first company in the United States to be accredited under a new Utility Contractor - Tree Service Company Accreditation program administered by the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA). Achieving accreditation means that the company adheres to industry standards for safety and best business practices, maintains a trained, professional staff and is dedicated to the provision of top quality services. Townsend Tree Service Company, LLC is headquartered in Parker City, Ind. The company provides line clearance tree trimming and vegetation management services to utilities, governmental and other contracting agencies throughout the United States. As the only business practice and compliance audit process in the tree care industry, businesses undergo extensive review of professional practices, all aimed at safeguarding clients. The review verifies the following items that utility and other ROW purchasing agents routinely require in contracts, such as: • Governmental regulations • Industry standards for performance and safety; • Internal human resource policies and procedures; • Internal safety training and qualification program; • ISA Certified Arborist - Utility Specialist and TCIA Certified Treecare Safety Professionals on staff; and, • Internal Injury and Illness Prevention Program (safety program). TCIA confirms these qualities by conducting an on-site audit of facilities and work sites to verify that the company meets the Utility Contractor Accreditation Standard. This process of becoming accredited is no easy task. According to Mark Kimbrough, director of safety and training of Townsend Tree Service, "The Accreditation process is incredibly thorough, TCIA left no stone unturned. We are pleased to be recognized as one of the best tree service companies around." TCIA Accreditation for Townsend Tree Service is in effect for a period of three years, with renewal check-ups required every year. The annual renewal ensures that the company continues to adhere to the accreditation standard. TCIA president Mark Garvin said "TCIA Accreditation provides clients and contracting agencies with an easy way to find tree services 8 Arbor Age / March 2013 www.arborage.com