Francesco Aiello takes charge of Terex tower and self-erecting cranes

A change at the top in Fontanafredda

Terex Tower and Self Erecting Cranes announced Aiello’s appointment on 25 October 2024. He arrives with almost 25 years at Terex behind him and a background in operational excellence, team management and continuous improvement rather than pure sales. His stated immediate priority is internal: aligning the organisation behind a longer-term strategy and getting new product projects delivered on schedule.

The timing is not comfortable. Aiello acknowledged that the tower crane industry is dealing with economic downturns in a number of global markets, though he argued that a weak market is exactly when a manufacturer should be moving.

“I believe this is the perfect time for change. As the global market faces challenges, it’s more important than ever to adapt and seize opportunities. My immediate priority will be on aligning our internal organisation with our long-term strategy and delivering innovative products that meet the needs of our customers.”

— Francesco Aiello, General Manager, Terex Tower Cranes

Where the volume is

Aiello was clear that the flat top city class remains the core of the business, arguing that the majority of the market sits with versatile machines suited to urban construction and smaller projects. Alongside that he wants to strengthen the company’s position on large-scale projects, where he expects technical capability to be the deciding factor in securing work, and to push into sectors beyond conventional construction. Self-erecting crane distribution is named as a separate growth target.

Technology and long-life fleets

On the digital side, Aiello listed the systems already in the range — T-Torque slewing technology, Terex Power Plus, Terex Power Match, T-Link telematics, T-Lift and electronic set-up — and said connected cranes, autonomous control and advanced safety systems will become essential on jobsites even though not every customer is asking for them yet.

He also made a point that will resonate with rental fleets running cranes that are decades old.

“As an OEM, it’s not enough to focus solely on innovation and meeting new regulatory standards. We must stay closely connected to our customers’ evolving needs, ensuring that we not only deliver new products but also provide comprehensive support and tailored solutions for the cranes they’ve relied on for years.”

— Francesco Aiello, General Manager, Terex Tower Cranes

Aiello’s stated ambition is for Terex Tower Cranes to be recognised among the top three players in the crane industry, measured on product quality and return on investment, achieved through wider market coverage, better product support and share gains in key markets. He also wants the business to become a leading employer in north-east Italy.

Source: Terex — Photos: Terex