Tim Klemz, managing director of Compact Engineering, has been appointed chairman of Picon following ratification of his appointment at the organisation’s AGM on 26 June.

Mr Klemz becomes only the second member of the British Paper Machinery Suppliers Association (BPMSA), a division of Picon representing paper manufacturers, to take on the role. The previous BPMSA representative to become chairman was Michael Southworth 30 years ago.

Picon chief executive Bettine Pellant said Mr Klemz would bring a different perspective to the position.

“Tim will bring new thinking to the role of Picon chairman,” she said. “He is smart, committed and knows his own mind. His company, founded by his father David, produces energy efficient infrared drying solutions to the paper and pulp industry so his environmental knowledge and European business experience will be a great asset.”

Mr Klemz has been closely involved in raising the profile of the BPMSA, which is due to exhibit at the UK Corrugated Industry Trade Show in Telford in October.

Speaking about the association’s activities, he said: “At BPMSA meetings we chat about what’s going on – the good the bad and the ugly – and we always have a round table where everyone can express their opinion of current market conditions and I provide an overview to the Picon Council of what the BPMSA is up to and what is happening in the domestic market.”

He added that membership of Picon had provided him and Compact Engineering with “some great friendships, top advice and the benefit of a well-educated and wise hive-minded Picon council”.

Mr Klemz has served on the Picon Council since 2009 and succeeds Stuart Murphy, director of Rollem, as chairman. He said Mr Murphy had “maintained a steady course in turbulent times”.

His term as chairman will span a change in leadership at Picon, with Ms Pellant set to hand over the role of chief executive to Iain Bullock this autumn.

“I really don’t think there will be any disruption,” said Mr Klemz. “Picon is blessed with some frighteningly organised people who toil away in the background and keep even the loosest of cannons on target!”

Mr Klemz is also a board member of the Paper Industry Technical Association and is involved in charity work in Yorkshire, where he lives with his wife, Tessa, and their two sons.