David Cooper started his career as an engineering apprentice in 1979 with Coventry Climax – the world-renowned forklift manufacturer. After completing his engineering qualifications he soon moved into sales and was in that position at the point Kalmar acquired Climax in 1986. After spending a number of years building Kalmar’s sideloader presence in the UK, in 1994 he become General Sales Manager responsible for the total Kalmar UK sales and marketing activity.

In January 1998 he set up SMV UK as a subsidiary of SMV in Sweden and 3-years later completed a management buy-out to take sole ownership. At the same time of the MBO, he founded Irion Sideloaders as a separate business to make a welcome return to the sideloader market.

David has masterminded the complete re-branding of CooperSH which saw the integration of heavy forklift and sideloader activities under one roof whilst at the same time introducing two new brands, namely DanTruck and MAFI. He has built a business with a £7-8 million annual turnover and intends to capitalize on his long materials handling experience as he is just about to celebrate his 30th year in the forklift business.

In his spare time, David enjoys playing golf. He is married with three children and lives in South Warwickshire.