PATERSON SIMONS PAYS TRIBUTE TO JACQUELINE HIMSWORTH, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF MANITOU GROUP
Paterson Simons joins the global lifting and material handling community in honouring Jacqueline Himsworth, Chairman of the Board of Manitou Group, who passed away on 11 April 2026 at the age of 82. She passed away just 12 weeks after her brother, Marcel Braud, the late founder of Manitou.
A highly influential figure in the company’s history, Jacqueline Himsworth represented a key generation of the founding family and played an important role in guiding Manitou’s progression from a family business into a globally recognised leader in lifting and material handling solutions.
Her path was shaped by a remarkable family story. After losing her father at a young age, she was inspired by her mother’s determination to continue building the family’s industrial vision – laying the groundwork for what would grow into a leading name in the industry.
Alongside her brother, Marcel Braud- pioneer of Manitou’s first rough-terrain forklift – she contributed to the early development of the business through Braud & Faucheux, which later evolved into Manitou BF. Over the years, as a dedicated shareholder and board member, she helped steer the company’s long-term direction and international growth.
When she became Chair of the Board in 2017, she brought a thoughtful and measured approach to leadership. She remained focused on protecting the company’s values while supporting innovation and guiding it through ongoing change. Her leadership reflected a strong emphasis on stability, sustainability and long-term continuity.
In addition to her strategic role, she was committed to nurturing future leadership within the organisation, helping to ensure a smooth transition to the next generation and safeguarding the family legacy.
Paying tribute to her contribution, Manitou Group CEO Michel Denis recognised her clarity of vision and strength of conviction, as well as her ability to balance ambition with a genuine commitment to people.
As the authorised distributor of Manitou equipment in Ghana, Paterson Simons acknowledges the enduring impact of Jacqueline Himsworth’s leadership and the legacy she leaves behind.
A forward-thinking leader, she played an active role in fostering the next generation within the Board of Directors, helping to prepare the group for the future while safeguarding the continuity of the family legacy and maintaining its long-term strategic stability.
Read further on Manitou.com here
Image: Manitou.com
FRANNA HIGHLIGHTS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WITH BEYOND BLUE MAC 25
Franna teams across Australia recently came together with colleagues from Genie and Terex Jaques for a special nationwide BBQ fundraiser in support of Beyond Blue and the crucial mental-health services they provide. The Brisbane event was particularly significant, aligning with the unveiling of Membrey’s Transport & Crane Hire’s 2000th MAC 25 crane, finished in a striking Beyond Blue blue livery.
The MAC 25 was purchased by Membrey’s in memory of Rowan, son of Craig Membrey, whose life ended in suicide in 2011. The crane’s Beyond Blue livery includes a QR code linking directly to a fundraiser page, creating a visible and meaningful tribute while raising awareness and support for mental health.
The crane itself is a powerful symbol: a heavy-duty, pick-and-carry model featuring an 18-metre four-section boom, a three-metre jib and Franna’s Dynamic LMI system for enhanced safety and real-time load monitoring. But at the upcoming CICA Conference in Brisbane, it will stand for something even more important – a reminder to pause, reflect and check in with the people around us.
During the fundraiser, Beyond Blue Ambassador Bobby Fitzsimmons delivered an impactful presentation, sharing his lived experience and emphasising connection, resilience and practical mental-wellbeing strategies. His message resonated deeply with all who attended.
This initiative is about far more than one crane. It is about sparking conversations, reducing stigma, and showing genuine care within the lifting and construction community. The Beyond Blue MAC 25 is expected to become a strong conversation-starter – encouraging support, awareness and openness wherever it goes.
A meaningful day, a powerful message, and a community united for an important cause.
This article was originally published on vertikal.net and Franna’s social media platforms,
Image: Facebook.com/FrannaCranes1
150 YEARS STRONG – CELEBRATING THE AUTONOMOUS PORT OF DOUALA, THE PORT THAT MOVES 95% OF CAMEROON’S TRADE!
Paterson Simons proudly joins the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Autonomous Port of Douala, the beating heart of Cameroon’s maritime trade and a lifeline for landlocked neighbours across Central Africa.
Did you know the Port of Douala handles over 95% of Cameroon’s international maritime traffic? It isn’t just a gateway – it’s a powerhouse of regional connectivity, innovation, and growth. From the Wouri River estuary to the heart of the continent, it has driven commerce, created jobs, and supported industry for a century and a half.
As long-standing partners in West and Central Africa’s lifting industry, Paterson Simons is proud to support port operations through safe, reliable lifting equipment, expert training, and full lifecycle service – helping operators keep cargo moving efficiently and sustainably.
We applaud the Autonomous Port of Douala for its continued investment in digitalisation and sustainable development – modernising systems while honouring its rich legacy.
Here’s to 150 years of progress, and to many more decades of lifting Africa’s ports to new heights!
Imagery: courteousy of rtcdouala.cm
FOR SALE: Complete Naco louvre window production machines & Complete Pasiguard security grilles production machines
- Complete Naco louvre window production machines
- Complete Pasiguard security grilles production machines.
No. |
Equipment |
Quantity |
1 |
ELDAIR 40 TON PRESS |
1 |
2 |
ARIENTI 60 TON PRESS |
1 |
3 |
REDMAN UNIPUNCH |
1 |
4 |
EMMEGI SAW MACHINE |
1 |
5 |
JOHN HEINE PRESS |
7 |
6 |
WORCESTER PRESS |
6 |
7 |
BENCH DRILLING MACHINE |
1 |
8 |
OLIVER ROLL FORMER |
1 |
9 |
EIMA DRILLING MACHINE |
1 |
Viewing available.
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For sale as lots or individual pieces.
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Excellently maintained by Italian toolmaker.
CONTACT US TODAY!
+233 (0)302 664 658/9
contact@pasico.com
Cutting Machine – Naco
Cracking Machine – Naco
40 Ton Press
Fly Press
OPTIMISE YOUR LIFT TRUCK UPTIME WITH THE KONECRANES SPREADER SERVICE BOX
Keeping your lift trucks performing at their best requires proactive, well-planned maintenance — and Konecranes has made that easier than ever with its dedicated Spreader Service Box for reach stackers and empty container handlers.
Designed to support preventive maintenance and ensure you always have the right parts on hand, the Spreader Service Box includes all the genuine Konecranes spare parts required to service your spreader properly. By stocking the correct components ahead of time, you can minimise downtime, avoid unnecessary delays, and keep your operations running smoothly.
Why Choose the Spreader Service Box?
Instead of placing multiple orders for individual items, the Spreader Service Box allows you to purchase a complete, ready-made package of essential service parts. This approach offers major operational advantages:
✔ Faster maintenance with all required parts in one kit
✔ Accurate preventive planning, eliminating missing components
✔ Reduced downtime, thanks to immediate availability of genuine parts
✔ Better stock control, ensuring you are always ready for customer needs
Whether you’re servicing a single truck or managing an entire fleet, keeping the correct service boxes in stock ensures that maintenance can happen whenever needed — without delay.
Don’t Miss Out — Order Your Spreader Service Box Today!
For enquiries, orders, or technical support, contact the Paterson Simons team — your trusted Konecranes distributor across West and Central Africa – contact us here.
WELCOME TO THE LOGISTICS TEAM, IVANS MANORAH!
Paterson Simons is delighted to welcome Ivans Manorah, who has recently joined the company as a Logistics Administrator.
Based at our UK head office in Brighton and reporting to Logistics Manager, Betty Leelah, Ivans joins our busy and fast-moving Logistics Team, where he will play a key role in supporting the coordination of shipments and logistics operations across the group.
Ivans brings with him a strong background in logistics. His previous roles have equipped him with deep industry knowledge, hands-on expertise, and a solid understanding of the fast-paced requirements involved in processing and delivering orders. This experience enabled him to walk in and confidently handle the role from day one.
His work will help ensure the smooth and timely movement of parts and equipment to customers throughout our regions.
Although new to the team, Ivans has already made a strong impression. His proactive attitude, readiness to learn, and commitment to accuracy have quickly become invaluable to our day-to-day operations. His positive energy and willingness to get stuck into challenges make him a great fit for the department.
We are very proud to have Ivans on the Logistics Team and look forward to the expertise, enthusiasm, and fresh perspective he will continue to bring.
Welcome to PSAL, Ivans!
OPERATORS UNANIMOUSLY AGREE: KONECRANES REACHSTACKERS EQUIPPED WITH FLOW DRIVE LEAD TO REDUCED OPERATIONAL STRESS!
Paterson Simons conducted training earlier this year at the Tema port of the Ghana Ports & Harbours Authority (GPHA) for thirty GPHA Reach stacker operators.
The training focused on Hydromechanical Variable Transmission (HVT) operation on Konecranes SMV 4636 Reach stackers.
Utilizing HVT, Flow Drive from Konecranes effectively manages power at lower speeds, resulting in decreased wear, lower fuel consumption, and emissions, ensuring sustained optimal engine performance. The direct advantages of Flow Drive include fuel savings, enhanced efficiency, and cost-effective operation, potentially extending refueling intervals and reducing maintenance requirements, thus significantly boosting the productivity of Konecranes Reach Stackers.
The theoretical and practical training sessions primarily covered the safe operation of these new model Konecranes Reach stackers, emphasizing fuel efficiency, safety, and productivity.
Operators expressed high satisfaction with the training, describing the HVT training as “magnificent” and “remarkable” for providing valuable information on machine operation, and that the machines are ‘’less stressful’’ to operate.
Following the training, there will be ongoing monitoring of operator performance and fuel consumption patterns on the first two HVT Konecranes Reach stackers.
Congratulations to the operators who completed the training!
And thank you to the trainers: Kamel Ali (Paterson Simons), Johan Nilsson (Konecranes), and Hakan Aronsson (Paterson Simons).
PATERSON SIMONS SPONSORS GHANA SCRABBLE ASSOCIATION AT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
Paterson Simons was proud to sponsor the Ghana Scrabble Association in the World Scrabble Championships held in Accra this November.
The World Scrabble Championships represent the pinnacle of competitive Scrabble – a global mind sport that demands discipline, strategic thinking, and precision at the highest level. With over 7 days of competition, 250 players from 48 countries battled for 40 awards and to get a share of the $34,000 wespac prize pool!
Africa is a force in the global Scrabble community, with Nigeria producing over 33% of the world’s top-ranked players. The Ghana Scrabble Association is leading national efforts to integrate the game into classrooms and communities.
Scrabble has become a powerful tool for strengthening literacy, vocabulary, confidence, and critical thinking -particularly among young learners. It’s not only shaping better players, but helping to shape better futures.
“At Paterson Simons, we believe business success must go hand in hand with long-term investment in people and potential,” said Kwaku Okoh, Managing Director at Pasico Ghana, our subsidiary. “Scrabble sharpens minds, opens doors, and cultivates the very skills that drive progress – not just in competition, but in life. We’re honoured to support this championship and the young talent it showcases. Whether we’re lifting machinery or lifting minds, we bring the same belief: that precision, purpose, and partnership build lasting impact,” said Mr. Okoh. “We’re proud to support platforms that empower Africa’s youth and leave behind more than infrastructure – we help build futures.”
Paterson Simons is committed to lifting Africa – strategically, sustainably, and together!
Imagery: Scrabble Association of Ghana
CELEBRATING A DEFINING MILESTONE – CONGRATULATIONS TO MPS GHANA ON THE GRAND COMMISSIONING OF THE COMPLETED PHASES 1 & 2 OF THE TEMA PORT EXPANSION PROJECT (MPS TERMINAL 3 OF TEMA PORT)!
Paterson Simons extends its warmest congratulations to Meridian Port Services Ltd. (MPS Ghana) on the successful Grand Commissioning of the completed Phases 1 & 2 of the Tema Port Expansion Project (MPS Terminal 3 of Tema Port).
This landmark achievement represents a defining moment in the development of Ghana’s maritime infrastructure and in the broader evolution of West Africa’s trade landscape. The commissioning of these phases marks a major step forward in creating a modern, future-ready terminal designed to accommodate larger vessels, deeper drafts and enhanced operational flows.
The ceremony, hosted at MPS Terminal 3, brought together national leaders, international partners, industry stakeholders and members of the diplomatic community. The programme included goodwill messages from the project’s joint-venture partners and a keynote address delivered by H.E. the President of the Republic of Ghana, reaffirming the nation’s ambition to position itself as the premier logistics and maritime hub of the sub-region.
With the expanded terminal infrastructure now in place, MPS is positioned to strengthen its role as a key gateway for international shipping lines, improve container-handling efficiency, and reinforce Tema Port’s status as a strategic logistics hub for West Africa.
We are proud to celebrate this achievement with MPS Ghana and look forward to witnessing the continued impact of Terminal 3’s growth and operational success.
Congratulations to the entire MPS Ghana team on this outstanding accomplishment!
Imagery: MPS Ghana
EXTEND YOUR CRANE’S LIFESPAN WITH MANITOWOC’S BOOM GREASE PLUS!
Smooth boom operation isn’t just a maintenance task – it’s the backbone of every successful lift. Correct boom greasing keeps your crane performing at its peak, boosts safety on site, and protects the value of your investment for years to come.
Manitowoc’s maintenance guidelines emphasise a precise lubrication schedule for each crane model. And the message is clear: using the right grease matters. Choosing the wrong type – such as mineral or fully synthetic grease instead of Manitowoc’s recommended semi-synthetic formula – can shorten lubrication intervals, accelerate wear, and even create avoidable stability issues.
Meet Boom Grease Plus – Maintenance Made Easy!
To make boom lubrication faster, cleaner, and more efficient, Manitowoc has developed a set of specialist tools designed specifically for the job. Boom Grease Plus is the smart, hassle-free way to keep your crane running like new.
Available as a complete kit or standalone components, Boom Grease Plus offers a practical, technician-friendly solution that fits perfectly into your preventive maintenance plan.
Why Choose Boom Grease Plus?
- Keeps boom movements smooth and reliable
- Protects your crane’s long-term health and operational safety
- Helps prevent downtime caused by lubrication issues
- Delivers quick, efficient maintenance with purpose-built tools
Regular preventive maintenance is one of the simplest ways to extend your crane’s lifespan — and Boom Grease Plus gives you everything you need to do it right, every time.
Ready to optimise your crane maintenance?!
Get in touch with our parts team via our online contact form here
See the team in action here:
