Raymond VP retires after four decades in material handling

Long-time member of the material handling community and former MHIA and IMMS executive James Bennett calls it a career after 43 years.

By Plant Engineering Staff May 9, 2008

James B. Bennett III, vice president of sales and dealer development for The Raymond Corporation, recently retired, closing a 43-year career in the material handling industry.
Bennett joined Raymond in 1994 as vice president and general manager for Dockstocker Corporation, managing all aspects of design, development and marketing of the business.

Integral to the development and growth of Raymond’s national and major account programs in his 14 years with the company, he worked closely with the Raymond dealer network to facilitate and strengthen successful sales programs.
“Jim took great pride in improving the effectiveness of sales force members by teaching, challenging and motivating them to exceed not only the customers’ expectations, but also their own,” said Jim Malvaso, president and CEO for The Raymond Corporation. “His dedication and leadership led to a distinguished career at Raymond.”
Before joining Raymond, Bennett spent 16 years in lift truck sales. His professional accreditations and affiliations include the International Materials Management Society’s Professional Certification in Material Handling and Professional Certification in Material Management. He served as vice chairman of the Material Handling Industry of America from 1987 to 1990; was president of the Industrial Truck Association in 1994, and was vice president of ITA from 1988 to 1993.
Bennett was honored with a Circle of Excellence award, acknowledging his outstanding career accomplishments, at Raymond’s Dealer Management Meeting on March 29. The award recognizes continuous leadership in sales of all Raymond products; a willingness to improve effectiveness through new techniques and motivation; and a winning, solution-oriented approach to every sales opportunity.