Alastair appointed Airchannels new Managing Director

31 May 2007

Alastair Shanks has been appointed the new managing director of Airchannel, the UK’s largest compressed air distributor.

Alastair, 31, joined the company in 2004 after leaving his job in global applications at Unilever, to follow in his father’s footsteps. In his new role he will be based in Ipswich at their Support Office on Burrell Road.

Working as the Logistics Director since 2004, Alastair has overseen the integration of the Anglair and Woodside Pneumatics businesses as Airchannel, with the most recent acquisition, E&B Air Compressors, due to be amalgamated at the end of the year.

It has been a challenging task, as different cultures, systems and processes have had to be combined to create one unified group. This joined up philosophy was achieved in 2006 when they came under the Airchannel name (E&B Air Compressors becomes Airchannel in 2008) with a strong brand and a new IT system.

In addition to this, Alastair has created a longer term plan to build the brand of Airchannel and define the direction the Company needs to take. As Managing Director, he will guarantee the consistent implementation of this strategy.

Commenting on his new position, Alastair said: “I am looking forward to the challenges I will face in my new role as Managing Director.  Although I have a hard act to follow in the shape of my father, Gavin, I am very grateful to have his continued support as Chairman of the company, as well as a very experienced and committed senior management team.

Airchannel remains an independent family run business and now has over 200 employees, based in thirteen regional offices, spread across the United Kingdom.

"This year is a time of consolidation, and I foresee our growth will come in terms of sales and profitability" says Alastair, "Over the past year, we have put a lot of effort into creating and communicating a clear, focused direction for Airchannel. We are a thriving business supported by great staff. One of my priorities is to build on our excellent team through development and coaching and also by recruiting passionate and driven people".

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For further information please contact:
Robert Gravener - telephone (01473) 289193 - 07729421626
Email: robert,gravener@ntlworld.com