Jeff has taken charge of the Halesowen-based company's six-strong team with a brief to further develop sales in key sectors such as aerospace as well as new markets including food and beverage, plastics, foundry and metal working.

Jeff, who lives in Dunchurch, Rugby, brings almost 20 years of sales and managerial experience to his new role of general sales manager. After completing a technician's apprenticeship at an aircraft component maker in Coventry, he moved into sales in 1990.

He previously worked with engineering conglomerate Sumitomo and also injection moulding machine manufacturers Krauss Maffei and Fahr Bucher.

Jeff Nowill says: "I'm delighted to join KUKA at an exciting time in the company's history as it marks its 35th anniversary in the UK. Demand for innovative robotic solutions in a wide range of industries remains strong and I look forward to helping more companies recognise the advantages of using automation in their manufacturing operations."

KUKA Automation + Robotics has just won an award for the best automation and robotics application in the food industry by Food Processing magazine. KUKA's 1000kg Titan robot has also been awarded a prestigious Red Dot Design Award.

More information on KUKA robotic products can be viewed online at www.kuka.co.uk.