Keith Price steps down from Heavy Haulage and Lifting division as key customer reviews its uncertain future
The general manager of McAleese Group’s Heavy Haulage and Lifting division has retired, but will stay on with the company in an advisory capacity for 12 months.
Keith Price has spent more than 27 years with the company and played several key roles in its development, CEO Mark Rowsthorn says.
“We thank Keith for his commitment thus far and are pleased that he will continue with the Heavy Haulage and Lifting division in a non-executive advisory role,” he adds.
Price’s retirement comes in the midst of an ongoing review of the division, looking at the size and diversity of the fleet, and developing strategies for synergies and potential cost reductions.
That review becomes even more vital with the announcement on Tuesday that one of the division’s key customers, Atlas Iron, is also undertaking a review of its operations and business plan.
The mining company has been hit hard by the falling global iron ore price and is expected to close down at least part of its operations.
McAleese confirmed its connection to Atlas in a brief statement to the ASX.
“McAleese Group has a strong and long-standing partnership with Atlas Iron and will continue to work constructively with the Pilbara based miner as a priority to achieve sustainable solutions for both parties,” the company advised.
In Price’s place, general manager of McAleese Resources Andrew Simpson has assumed responsibility for the Walter Wright Cranes business, while divisional general manager Steve Fanning will add leadership of McAleese Transport to his business cards.
Leader of McAleese’s oil and gas operations Matt Tamplin has assumed responsibility for the company’s WA Freight Group as well.