New product manager for Merlo America

Merlo America has appointed Rick Fernandez as its new Product Manager, bringing more than two decades of experience in manufacturing, operations, product development.

Rick Fernandez, Product Manager, Merlo America. (Image: Merlo).

Previously Fernandez has worked at Ford Motor Company, Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklifts, and Hangcha Forklifts. His background spans every facet of the product lifecycle, including production supervision, quality control, and product management and marketing, making him a valuable addition to Merlo’s expanding US operations.

As Product Manager at Merlo, Fernandez will oversee a range of product initiatives, including product development, dealer and customer support, marketing collateral, field performance analysis, and continuous improvement projects. He has already been hands-on with Merlo’s lineup as the team prepares for upcoming trade shows and new product development.

Looking ahead, Fernandez is focused on expanding Merlo America’s customer engagement efforts and strengthening feedback loops between the field, engineering, and sales teams. “For me, it’s all about listening to our dealers, to our customers, to the market. I want Merlo America to be a name that customers in the U.S. associate with quality, reliability, performance, and innovation,” said Fernandez.

He added, “When I was a kid, I never imagined I’d be working for a company that builds telehandlers,” Fernandez admits with a smile. But once I found my way into product management, I fell in love with the process, understanding how products are built, what customers need, and how to make those things come together seamlessly.”

Rick Fernandez at the Merlo America yard. (Image: Merlo).

When the opportunity with Merlo America came along, Fernandez saw the chance to bring his experience into a new segment and a new challenge. “I was ready to challenge ahead into different products and after 20 years specialising in forklifts, I wanted to take that foundation and apply it to something new.”

Fernandez joins Merlo America during a period of strong growth and momentum as the company continues to expand its presence in the American market.

Jennifer Brigman, Vice President of Strategy and Operations, said, “Rick joins our team with a proven track record of driving operational excellence and fostering cross-functional alignment. His depth of experience and pragmatic leadership style are a natural fit for our boots-on-the-ground culture. With a sharp focus on product lifecycle strategy and continuous improvement, Rick will play a pivotal role as we scale our operations and enhance dealer support across our ever-expanding market.”