Thomas Equipment Names New VP of Global Sales

July 11, 2006 • Milwaukee-based Thomas Equipment, Inc. recently appointed Rudy van den Ende as its vice president of global sales, responsible for overseeing worldwide sales.

Recently Thomas' board of directors announced a broad based restructuring designed to revitalize the company in order to address short-term needs and successfully execute on longer-term opportunities while maximizing operating and financial efficiencies.

"In recent weeks, Rudy and I have already spent days and nights around the globe visiting customers,” said James E. Patty, chief executive officer of Thomas Equipment. “Rudy has proven himself as a corporate leader and is a great addition to our senior management team. Rudy's sales and marketing expertise, as well as his 20 year-tenure within Thomas' predecessor companies, will advance our efforts to grow revenues and create shareholder value."

Rudy van den Ende, originally purchased (with his then partners) Rousseau Controls, Ltd. in 1985 from Bendix Corporation and headed its sales and marketing effort and managed its revenue growth strategy. He later was appointed Rousseau's chief operating officer, a position he held for 13 years. After Rousseau merged with Pneutech, Inc. in 2002, van den Ende was named vice president of sales of the combined company, Pneutech Rousseau Group. After Pneutech merged with Thomas in early 2005, van den Ende became its vice president of corporate development.

"I am excited to work with a great team to build our world-wide distribution and strengthen our opportunities world-wide," said van den Ende. "The Thomas line of products are built and designed with the philosophy of having a tough, yet simple machine. This approach lends itself well to the equipment rental market that allows rental companies to recognize a great return on their investment. Our team sees significant opportunities for us to grow this and other expanding markets."