Palfinger importers Outreach Ltd today announced the sale of the company to a management buyout.  The two founder Directors and principal shareholders Wilson Paton and Charles Johnston have agreed the sale of their entire shareholdings to two other Directors, Gary Potts (Sales) and Derek Payne (Operations).

Wilson Paton the former Chairman and Managing Director said, “When Outreach was formed during 1990 my hope was that at the right time the business might appeal sufficiently to younger Directors that they would want to own it.  Both Charles Johnston and I are delighted that Gary Potts and Derek Payne have decided to buy the company at this time.  I believe that the time is right.  It is important that our employees can look forward with confidence to a bright future under the leadership of young, capable and highly motivated management”.

Gary Potts (41) becomes Managing Director – Sales and Marketing.  He has 19 years experience in sales and marketing roles.  Gary joined Outreach in 1997 as a Sales Engineer, becoming Sales and Marketing Director 5 years ago.

Derek Payne (40) becomes Managing Director – Operations. Derek joined Outreach during 1995 and after a time in Technical Services he took over responsibility for the control and development of products for the Oil and Gas Industry.  After a further time as Production Manager, Derek became Operations Director during 2001.

During the past 12 months Outreach announced record order income of £11 million from a combination of their Offshore Pipe Handling and Elevating Access Platforms, Marine Cranes as well as increased sales of Palfinger Cranes and Gardner Denver Access Platform products.  The company is based in Middlefield Industrial Estate in Falkirk and currently employs 51 staff.