California Manufacturing and Engineering Company (MEC), a provider of solutions in the aerial work platform (AWP) industry, has promoted Brian McFarland to executive vice president.
McFarland, who joined MEC in 2020 as vice president of parts and service, will now oversee the company’s sales, marketing and operational teams to ensure a world-class experience for its customers.
McFarland brings a wealth of industry experience to the role.
Before joining MEC, he served as general manager and president at Equipment Parts Wholesale, where he led the company through its sale to TVH.
His career in the AWP industry began in 1995 with UpRight, where he gained progressive responsibilities in parts and service over seven years.
McFarland is also a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and will continue to report to MEC President David White.
In conjunction with McFarland’s promotion, MEC has promoted Kyle Waller to vice president of parts and product support. Waller, who joined MEC in 2020 as director of parts, has also held roles as the central region sales and business development manager.
Before joining MEC, Waller worked at Amazon in operations management and at Genie Industries in sales and business development. He will report directly to McFarland.
MEC also named David Baxter as vice president of marketing and product management.
Baxter brings over 10 years of experience in marketing and product strategy, including roles as vice president at Harmar Mobility and over 17 years in the AWP industry with JLG and UpRight.
He will oversee product development, positioning and the marketing communications team at MEC, also reporting to McFarland.
David White, president of MEC, expressed confidence in McFarland’s leadership, stating, “Brian McFarland has proven to be a savvy commercial and operational leader for MEC and has been instrumental in our rapid growth. His appointment will help lead MEC’s evolution as a premier Aerial work platform supplier to the rental industry.”
“I am honored to take on an expanded role and look forward to helping our team increase MEC’s value to our customers and drive the next phase of our growth," McFarland said.
"As part of that team, Kyle brings strong customer and product knowledge to the critical parts and service role. His leadership, energy and industry familiarity will help streamline and expand MEC’s aftermarket services. I am excited to welcome David Baxter back to the AWP industry and to the MEC team. David’s marketing and product development and voice-of-customer experience will help MEC refine and expand its innovative product lineup,” he continued.
MEC’s leadership changes come as part of the company’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its position in the AWP market and expand its reach in the rental industry.
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