Manitex International, an international provider of truck cranes, specialized industrial equipment and construction equipment rental solutions, appointed Paolo Balugani general manager of Manitex Valla, the company’s electric crane division.

“We are pleased to announce Paolo will be joining Manitex International to lead our electric industrial crane division, Manitex Valla,” Michael Coffey, CEO at Manitex, said. “Paolo has more than 32 years of experience in the crane and aerial platform industry, most recently serving as CEO and co-founder of Palfinger Platform Italy. The addition of Paolo is an important step in our updated corporate strategic plan. His leadership, industry knowledge and operating experience will be critical in advancing our growth plans, which include bringing Valla’s line of electric industrial cranes to the North America market and developing and introducing new products to the global market.”

Paolo will oversee all operations of Manitex Valla from the company’s manufacturing operations in Panaro, Italy, where he will report to Manitex International’s Vice President and Italian Managing Director, Giovanni Tacconi.

“I have had the pleasure of working with Paolo Balugani in the past and I am excited to have someone with his industry expertise fill this critical role,” Giovanni Tacconi, vice president and managing director of Italy office at Manitex, said. “In recent months, Paolo has been working as a consultant to the company and he has been instrumental in the development and refinement of our strategic growth plans, so we are fortunate he will be joining the company to help us execute on these important strategic initiatives.”