Karl Medley will assume the role of Okuma New Zealand manager effective July 1, 2024. Medley is well known within the New Zealand CNC engineering community through his longstanding sales role for the Haas range of CNC machines.
“Karl has a strong English manufacturing background within several of the UK’s premier manufacturers followed by 13 years as a citizen within the New Zealand manufacturing market. Karl’s extensive experience within the manufacturing industry should give our customers continued confidence in the Okuma brand and everything which stands behind it,” said Dean McCarroll, managing director, Okuma New Zealand Ltd and Okuma Australia Pty Ltd, in a letter to industry.
Medley’s announcement comes on the back of industry stalwart Fred de Jong retiring and leaving Okuma at the end of June.
“Fred has had a fulfilling and strong connection with the Okuma brand for over 48 years with significant involvement in the 400-plus Okuma CNC machines sold and installed across New Zealand,” said McCarroll.
De Jong began his trade operating an early model Okuma 2-axis lathe that saw him “hooked on the technology and the brand”. His career moved across all sectors relating to the Okuma brand with customer relationships and his personal commitment the main driver of his energy.
“His passion and active role to sell, service and support the Okuma equipment has been his hallmark for success in New Zealand,” said McCarroll. “On behalf of Okuma Corporation’s worldwide group, I have the pleasure of offering Fred our heartfelt thanks for all that he has done to support our brand and to his lovely wife, Sue, we wish you both a long, healthy and fun filled retirement.”
McCarroll says the company has been preparing for these changes to ensure the future structure of Okuma New Zealand remains solid and to fulfil the commitments and expectations of the New Zealand market.
“Our internal planning work has been done in consultation with Fred and other Okuma NZ members to ensure a smooth transition is executed for the benefit of our customers and our business.”
He says the changes and the expansion of the Okuma New Zealand operation to further strengthen to support of the NZ manufacturing industry.
McCarroll adds that Medley’s recruitment will help continue the brand’s growth in New Zealand and to focus on sales and branch matters. Additionally, Okuma has hired a service engineer for after sales support, both of whom will be based in Auckland. Rodel Estoya is an experienced Okuma machine tool service engineer.
“Estoya is also well known to our company and with his existing Okuma service experience outside of New Zealand, we are confident our customers will continue to receive higher levels of support for their Okuma machines.”
McCarroll says Okuma New Zealand also has the vast resources of Okuma Australia, whose 40-plus employees – including an Okuma Japanese liaison engineer – are always available to support the New Zealand team and customer-base.