Hy-Tek Material Handling, Inc is pleased to announce the appointment of Jim Ripkey as Mobile Equipment Division President. Mobile Equipment is one of four divisions operated by Columbus, Ohio-based Hy-Tek. In addition, Hy-Tek operates Integrated Systems, Lighting Solutions, and Storage & Handling Divisions—all of which are dedicated to delivering cost-effective, efficient solutions for every material handling application in a broad range of industries. Ripkey’s appointment was announced by Hy-Tek CEO Samuel Grooms. In his position as president, Ripkey will be responsible for growing the business of the Mobile Equipment Division—the leading Yale Forklift dealer in central Ohio—within its current market and beyond. Long-term relationships with Yale Lift Trucks and other premier manufacturers enable Hy-Tek to resource the best options for customers’ mobile equipment needs. Hy-Tek Mobile Equipment solutions include new and used equipment for purchase, lease, and rent; fleet analysis, reports, plans, and management; customized maintenance programs; flexible financing programs; reliable aftermarket services and parts; and operator training and compliance certification. A business development and operations specialist with 22 years of material handling equipment experience, Ripkey returns to Hy-Tek after a 10-year absence. From 1995-2002, he served as Hy-Tek’s vice president and general manager, as well as the company’s director of operations. For the past decade, Ripkey has held executive positions with Barloworld Handling, the world’s largest lift truck dealer with some $300 million in U.S. sales. “Jim Ripkey is a tremendous asset with a proven track-record. During his previous tenure with Hy-Tek, Jim was credited with doubling the company’s aftermarket business and expanding our team of professional technicians by nearly 50 percent. We’re delighted to have Jim back as part of our family of 100-plus employee-owners. Hy-Tek will be celebrating our 50^th anniversary in January. We attribute our longevity, in part, to our ability to nurture lasting relationships with driven, dedicated, in-demand professionals like Jim Ripkey,” said Grooms. Active professionally, Ripkey has served on the board of directors of the Material Handling Equipment Distributor Association (MHEDA).  A popular speaker at industry conventions and meetings, he regularly conducts training seminars for MHEDA, leading equipment manufacturers, and independent lift truck dealers.