Haulotte Australia marked a significant milestone in May, celebrating 25 years of local operation. It also marked 25 years for one of their original employees, Robyne Kerr.
Robyne has been with Haulotte in Australia since it opened in 1999. She’s seen technology emerge, the industry boom and the business go from humble beginnings in Melbourne to over 70 employees in four states across Australia.
“I thought it would be a great challenge to help the company get started and use my skills to assist with progress,” says Robyne. “With only three of us in the beginning, I was able to learn all aspects of the business, gain new skills and broaden my perspectives.”
Over 25 years, Robyne has been a pillar of support, guiding Haulotte into a new focus of R&D for the global market.
“The growth that’s come from our R&D department shows they’ve listened to us and our customers and recognised the need to be at the forefront of innovation and safety.”
She credits the experience for her own growth and development as she’s navigated changes in processes, technology and relationships. “It’s been a great journey requiring dedication and perseverance which has allowed me to expand my skillset and develop as a leader.”
Her value has not been lost on her team or the industry. In 2022, Robyne was named the Hire and Rental Industry Association’s ‘Woman of Influence’ Award in front of past and present colleagues.
“It was an amazing honour to be acknowledged because I have such a sense of pride in this industry,” says Robyne. “I’ve also been lucky to enjoy success with my Haulotte team, which has been awarded Supplier of the Year and Product of the Year on different occasions. These awards mean so much because they are voted on by our peers and customers.”
Her career has been supported by three company and industry stalwarts, Bernie Kiekebosch, founding manager of Haulotte Australia, Damian Gautier, responsible for the Asia Pacific region for over 20 years, and Keith Clarke, Haulotte Australia’s General Manager.
“Robyn made the early days of meeting the many challenges associated with a new business start-up so much easier,” says Bernie. “To be celebrating Robyne’s 25 years is a great testament to the loyalty she’s shown this company.”
Keith agrees. “Robyne has been my rock, providing the same support she always gave Bernie. She manages all the local day-to-day business of liaising with the local customers and deals with factories all over the world.”
As she looks to the future, Robyne acknowledges it’s been a learning experience like no other, however, there’s always opportunity to learn more.
“I have achieved so much working for Haulotte and met a lot of great people along the way,” she says. “I’ve been lucky to have had very insightful people around me who were prepared to give me opportunities and for that I am very grateful.
“Now, I want to keep learning, developing and improving. That goes for my team as well, who bring a refreshing energy to getting the job done. I hope we continue to grow together and learn from each other.”
At the 2024 HRIA Excellence Awards, Haulotte Australia received the Best New Product – Access and the Supplier of the Year – Access.