Takeuchi names new US sales director

Atlanta-based compact equipment maker Takeuchi-US has hired Jeffrey Ratliff as its new director of sales and marketing. Ratliff replaces Henry Lawson, who the company says is retiring after six years with the Takeuchi organization.

Ratliff will be responsible for dealer sales development and national account business and activity in North America, according to the United States business unit of Japan-based Takeuchi.

His role “includes helping Takeuchi-US achieve company market share objectives, including dealer sales, budgeting, asset management and inventory audits,” states the company, adding Ratliff also will also direct and manage Takeuchi’s national rental accounts.

“I’m very pleased to be with a company that’s so focused on delivering the best possible value to its customers,” says Ratliff. “All over our office, you see signs saying to ‘Do what’s right – the Takeuchi Way,’” and that’s the mindset our entire team embraces every day. Our motto for 2025 is ‘Make Our Best Better.’ We’re focused on continuous improvement, and that’s something I’m excited to be a part of.”

Takeuchi-US says Ratliff comes to the firm with nearly 25 years of experience working in the agricultural equipment industry, “taking on increasing responsibilities in sales and product management, eventually becoming the marketing director for an international ag machinery manufacturer.”

“Jeffrey has spent his career implementing solid marketing and sales principles within the equipment industry,” says Jeff Stewart, president of Takeuchi-US. “He has a proven track record of building excellent teams who understand customer challenges and how to help those customers find the products that will best help them in their everyday lives. We’re pleased to have him join the Takeuchi family, and I’m excited to see his positive impact on market share and overall growth.”

Takeuchi manufactures a line of compact construction equipment that includes track loaders, excavators, wheel loaders and skid steer loaders.