Steve Ferguson after 5 years of Younessi

Steve Ferguson is the new President of Perkins Engines Company Limited. He took over from the former Ramin Younessi, who had been in charge since 2013. Younessi’s new destination will be in America, where he will be head of the Energy & Transportation division of Caterpillar. This includes Marine & Petroleum Power, Progress Rail Services, Electric Power, Solar Turbines, Industrial Power Systems and Large Power Systems.

Perkins but not only in Ferguson’s present

The synergies with Caterpillar also concern the new president. In fact, he will not only direct Peterborough’s operations. Ferguson will take over Caterpillar’s Industrial Power Systems Division (Ipsd), which includes the design, development, and sale of all engines (under 18 liters). Retail generators and Caterpillar Defense, which cover the three worldwide known brands of Cat, Perkins and FG Wilson, will also be Ferguson’s responsibility.

Ramin Younessi released a comment soon after Ferguson became president. «Steve has been delivering great results by driving lean and flexible cost-competitive component manufacturing operations at Caterpillar facilities around the world. Combined with his business and finance background, focus on safety and quality, and ability to connect with customers, Steve will provide exemplary leadership for this exciting and diverse group».

Steve Ferguson and Caterpillar

Ferguson has, in fact, held the position of general manager of the Advanced Component Manufacturing at Caterpillar. In this role, he was responsible for the operations in 15 factories all over the world. He began his career as an accountant in 1990 and divided his time between the machine and engine divisions. He specialized in pricing, business planning, financial analysis and corporate resources. His curriculum is enriched by a degree from Eastern Illinois University and another in the Advanced Executive Program at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.

Perkins’ path to digitalization

Perkins has invested resources in the development, launch, and distribution of its digital services called MyEngineApp and SmartCup. The next announced step, could, therefore, only be the digitization of the ‘warehouse’.

In fact, an online spare parts store is taking off in the United Kingdom. It will make no distinction between users of machines, hirers or repair, and engineering workshops. The Perkins Global Distribution Center in Irlam, near Manchester, which operates over 30,000 original Perkins parts, will supply the spare parts.

Smart and fast supply chain

«Our investment in this service will enable Perkins customers to quickly and easily access original Perkins parts, up-to-date information on customer engine parts and service available from the local Perkins distributor», said Rob Collard, regional head of the aftermarket division.

Collard pointed out that «The launch of this online store is part of our strategy. The target is to strengthen and grow the service and support we already provide to millions of Perkins customers and end users through our global Perkins distributor network».