Jebsen & Jessen has announced the appointment of Karl Tilkorn as chief executive officer for the newly created material handling business unit. This strategic move marks a significant milestone in the Group’s ongoing investment and development of the material handling business, operating under the established MHE brand.
Tilkorn’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment as the group formalises material handling as its seventh business unit. This follows the group’s 2023 acquisition of the regional industrial products business from Konecranes, as well as the more recent acquisition of material handling and service companies Safetech and EMS in Australia.
Karl Tilkorn, Chief Executive Officer
Today, MHE is a S$170 million business across Asia Pacific, with manufacturing capabilities complemented by engineering and technology solutions in industrial automation and material handling from leading partners around the world. A wide range of sectors benefit from MHE products and services, from general building and construction to the highly specialised aerospace industry.
With the elevation to a full business unit, MHE is poised for the next phase of growth under Tilkorn’s leadership. He brings extensive experience and a proven track record, having previously led the group’s MHE-Demag joint venture and, following its divestment in 2019, continuing with the business under Konecranes. After rejoining Jebsen & Jessen in 2023, he played a central role in rebuilding the MHE portfolio.
Per Magnusson, Group CEO of Jebsen & Jessen, noted that Tilkorn’s appointment is aligned with the longer-term value creation strategy for the MHE business as part of the group’s Aligned to Thrive strategy. He highlighted that the company’s material handling competency has scaled significantly since the recent acquisitions and business integration activities, enabling the group to move and innovate more effectively.
Tilkorn expressed his honour at leading the MHE team into this new chapter. He noted that over the past few years, the business has rebuilt its foundation, integrated new capabilities, and expanded across key markets. He indicated that the new organisational structure has provided clarity, agility, and strategic focus to strengthen the company’s leadership position and deliver greater value to customers across the region.
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