Leadership Team
When Whiting Canada acquired Handling Specialty in 2011, Rudi became the Chairman & CEO of Handling Specialty Manufacturing Ltd. Rudi is also the President & CEO of Whiting Heavy Industries, Director of Swenson Technology inc., Chairman & CEO of Zhejiang NAMAG Equipment Manufacturing Co. Ltd. and a Past-Chair of Brock University’s Board of Trusties.
Thomas Beach joined Handling Specialty in 1984 as a sales consultant for the Ontario region. He was then promoted to Sales Manager in 1990, General Manager in 1996, Executive Vice President in 2003, and President in 2009. Throughout his career, Thomas has been involved in every aspect of the company’s operation, maintaining client relationships, mentoring the sales team, and furthering Handling Specialty’s client base through business development activities.
David Reid joined Handling Specialty early 2022. Dave has in-depth knowledge of Manufacturing Engineering, Design Engineering, Cost Improvements Utilizing Kaizen Manufacturing Engineering principles, continuous Manufacturing Engineering improvement methodologies, and ensuring that Manufacturing Engineering milestones are met or exceeded during all Programs. Certified Six Sigma Black Belt with multiple plant and department leadership skills in Manufacturing.
Shannon Clinton joined Handling Specialty as Plant Supervisor in January 2012. Due to his significant experience in engineering, Shannon was promoted to Engineering Manager in June of that year, managing the Handling Specialty engineering team. Shannon is also a certified Industrial Millwright with extensive machine-building experience.
Dave Austin joined Handling Specialty in 2012 as Manufacturing Manager. Dave is responsible for the manufacturing teams at the two Handling Specialty plants. Dave has been trained as a Six Sigma Green Belt with Chrysler and also has his PMP designation.
Michael Roper joined the Handling Specialty sales team in 2003, was promoted to Senior Sales Specialist in 2013, and became Sales Manager responsible for the sales department in 2015. A graduate of the University of Guelph, Michael is responsible for building and maintaining client relationships, the development of new sales opportunities, and training new sales staff.
Rob Hicks joined the Handling Specialty Professional Services Group in 2007 in the role of Parts Coordinator. In 2009 the role was expanded to include leading sales for the Standard Products Group (SPG). In April 2020 Rob was promoted to the role of Professional Services Manager and in 2023 Rob took on the role of Parts & Services Manager where he continues to lead sales for the SPG. The service department has grown to include six full-time staff and various maintenance vehicles.
Branko Jovanovic joined Handling Specialty in 2013 as the Quality Assurance Leader. He is responsible for maintaining Handling Specialty’s ISO 9001/Z299.2 quality assurance system and ensuring the company meets the following applicable codes and standards – ASME, ASTM, ANSI, NACE, API, NACE, and CSA. He has a Mechanical Engineering degree and is currently working towards his PEO license.
Nick Sestili joined HSML in September 2000 as the Treasurer & CFO. He earned his degree at the Brock University in 1994, his Chartered Professional Accountant designation in 1995, and his Certified Public Accountant designation in 2003.
