Jebsen & Jessen today announced the appointment of Karl Tilkorn as Chief Executive Officer for the newly created Material Handling business unit. This strategic move marks a significant milestone in the Group’s ongoing investment and development of the material handling business, operating under the established MHE brand.

Karl’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment as the Group formalises Material Handling as its seventh business unit. This follows the Group’s 2023 acquisition of the regional Industrial Products (IPD) business from Konecranes, as well as the more recent acquisition of material handling and service companies Safetech and EMS in Australia.

Today, MHE is a S$170m business across Asia Pacific, with manufacturing capabilities complemented by engineering and technology solutions in industrial automation and material handling from leading partners around the world. A wide range of sectors benefit from MHE products and services, from general building and construction to the highly specialised aerospace industry.

With the elevation to a full business unit, MHE is poised for the next phase of growth under the leadership of Karl, who brings extensive experience and a proven track record. He previously led the Group’s MHE‑Demag joint venture and following its divestment in 2019, continued with the business under Konecranes. After rejoining Jebsen & Jessen in 2023, he played a central role in rebuilding the MHE portfolio.