Ex-MD ‘thrilled’ to join firefighting vehicles firm
THE founder of a Meltham manufacturer of firefighting vehicles has joined another leading UK manufacturer.
Oliver North stood down late last year as managing director of Rosenbauer UK, which took over the firm he founded, North Fire.
Now, it has been announced, he will become MD at Goole-based O&H Vehicle Conversions.
Mr North has also taken a shareholding in O&H and has immediately set his sights on driving home-grown innovation and production.
Well-known in the emergency services vehicle production sector Mr North has been drafted in by O&H owners, Endless LLP, an organisation which acquired the manufacturing firm in 2016 – to drive the company forward and attract key contracts within the UK and across export markets.
Mr North said: “After taking a long, hard look at the organisation, I’m thrilled to have joined O&H – particularly after falling in love with the quality, capability and further potential of the shop floor.
“O&H has been a pillar of British emergency services vehicle manufacturing for over 30 years. Nevertheless, I still look at them very much as the sleeping giant of the industry.
“Not only have they furnished the UK’s ambulance service with what I feel is unrivalled build quality, the company has also established key accounts in the wider emergency services sector as well as the patient transport, mobility and welfare markets.
“As we approach an unknown political landscape, it is clear we should be driving production, innovation and trade skill sets within UK.
“O&H has a world-class workforce who can be utilised, globally, much more than what they are currently. Coming into the firm as a shareholder also symbolises my long term intention in leading the organisation towards a successful era.”