Ref: PRHP69
Date: 30^thNovember 2015 

Hoppecke pushes forward with new Managing Director

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As part of a major business restructuring programme, Hoppecke Industrial Batteries has announced the appointment of Jason Howlett as its new Managing Director for the UK.

Based at the company's Newcastle-under-Lyme headquarters, Jason brings with him decades of experience gained at the highest levels of service, engineering and manufacturing.

Before being headhunted by Hoppecke - and getting the full backing of company owners, the Zoellner family - Howlett was Chief Operating Officer of a high-tech manufacturer and global supplier of security screening and border control equipment.

Prior to this, he was Divisional Director for the world's largest Caterpillar dealership, supplying large construction equipment and services to a wide range of industries. These included materials handling, mining and quarrying, waste and general house building.

With a passion for providing excellent customer service and helping his team develop to their full potential, Howlett has significant skills in sales and operational management as well as long-term strategy development and business growth. He also has vast experience in the supply chain and logistics sector.

On his appointment, Howlett said: "Hoppecke Industrial Batteries is a rapidly evolving business in an exciting market and I am delighted to join such a forward-thinking company. Hoppecke already has an unrivalled reputation as a total solutions provider in many sectors and my goal is to build on that and make the company a leading name in the sustainable energy market."

He added: "There is a lot of incredible talent within Hoppecke and the Zoellner family has pledged to help develop that talent to take us to the forefront of our key markets. In particular, I am putting a major emphasis on account management, after sales service and customer support to make Hoppecke an even better company to do business with."

Hoppecke's CEO, Dr Marc Zoellner, commented: "We are very excited about the UK market for Hoppecke products. The UK's motive power sector has shown positive growth in the last year and there is massive demand for electric power and energy storage. In 2015 and 2016 our continued support will seesubstantial investment in the infrastructure of Hoppecke Industrial Batteries - and Jason is the ideal person to build on the company's success and take it to another level. His recruitment is the first senior appointment in an overarching business development strategy for the UK and we are absolutely delighted to have him on board."

Hoppecke will be announcing further senior management appointments in the coming months.

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About Hoppecke Industrial Batteries

Hoppecke is the leading specialist for industrial battery systems and at the same time the largest battery manufacturer in European ownership. Hoppecke offers to its customers around the world concepts for efficient and reliable power supply for every industrial application. A leading exponent of environmental care for more than 80 years, Hoppecke offers solutions for a variety of industries including motive power, reserve power for IT/telecoms, power stations, solar energy and UPS, special power for rail and underground. Hoppecke's UK operation is based in Newcastle-Under-Lyme in the Midlands and the parent company has customers and business partners in many countries around the world, including Europe, the USA and China.

Image to accompany press release

Caption: Jason Howlett, the new Managing Director of Hoppecke Industrial Batteries

Media contact:

Sue Tupling

CHANGEWORKS Communications

t: 01785 247588

m: 07748 350725

e: sue@changeworkscom.co.uk

Company contact:

Jason Howlett

HOPPECKE Industrial Batteries Ltd

Unit 2 Lowfield Drive

Centre 500

Wolstanton

Newcastle-under-Lyme

ST5 0UU

T: 01782 667305

W:www.HOPPECKE.co.uk

E:jasonhowlett@HOPPECKE.co.uk