John Arapidis has assumed the helm of Komatsu dealer Kirby-Smith Machinery, replacing Ed Kirby, who is retiring after nearly 40 years. Kirby will serve as chairman of the board.
Arapidis is now the president and CEO of the Oklahoma City-based dealership after serving as vice president of major accounts at the firm since 2017. Prior to joining Kirby-Smith, he spent nearly 30 years at Komatsu America in a variety of roles, including national accounts manager and vice president of its rental and used equipment division.
“Making the decision to step back from my role was not an easy one, but I know that with the appointment of John to President and CEO, Kirby-Smith Machinery will continue to remain a leader in the industry in John’s extremely capable hands,” Kirby says. “During the past four years, John’s experience, leadership style and vision for the company have proven to be the right fit for this role, and will benefit the entire KSM organization, as well as our partners and clients.”
In his new role as board chairman, Kirby will work in an advisory board and continue to liaise with customers and partners.
Established in 1983, Kirby-Smith has 12 branch locations in Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas and Missouri.
Vermeer Southeast adds Fecon
Vermeer Southeast added Fecon’s forestry mulcher line, stocking Fecon forestry mulching tractors and attachments along with its Vermeer forestry equipment.
Vermeer has 11 locations throughout Alabama, Florida and Georgia, with affiliated companies in Caribbean.
Yanmar Power distributor expands territory
Yanmar Power Solutions distributor Crosspoint Power & Refrigeration has expanded its coverage territory to Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska. It already serves Yanmar in Illinois, Indiana, West Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee.
MANUFACTURERS, SUPPLIERS
Minnich receives GOMACO 2020 Supplier of the Year awardMinnich
Concrete dowel pin manufacturer Minnich Manufacturing is the first recipient of GOMACO’s new Supplier of the Year award. The two companies have partnered for several years, with Minnich products used on several GOMACO concrete machines, such as its HV-2PE hydraulic internal vibrator.
Terex names regional sales manager
Terex MPSTerex MPS has added JP Mitchell as a regional sales manager for its line of Cedarapids, Simplicity and Canica crushing and screening equipment. He will work with Terex MPS dealers to grow and manage business while looking for business expansion opportunities.
Mitchell previously held various positions at Aggregate Manufacturing International.