New CECE president

Jose Antonio Nieto, CEO of Putzmeister Iberica and a member of the Spanish construction equipment association, ANMOPYC, has officially taken over as president of CECE (Committee for European Construction Equipment).

The appointment, effective 1 January, 2024, comes after Nieto's two-year tenure as Vice-President.

Nieto began his career in after-sales service and joined Putzmeister in 1999. He became CEO in 2007 and has played a pivotal role in steering Putzmeister's underground business unit, adapting to challenges and transforming local sales into a global presence. 

In his new role, Nieto aims to continue CECE’s mission of advancing long-term goals related to decarbonization and digitalization within the construction equipment industry. His primary focus for 2024 will be the implementation of new legislation, with a keen eye on the Cyber-Resilience Act and Data Act, crucial for digitalization, and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) for achieving decarbonization targets. 

As the European construction equipment market faces a downturn in sales, with a 17% year-on-year decline in the third quarter of 2023, Nieto said he will also use his tenure to emphasize supporting the industry through these economic challenges. 

The declining economic conditions coincide with the upcoming European Parliament elections in June 2024, prompting CECE to release a manifesto to ensure the industry's voice is heard throughout the electoral process. Drawing on his experience at Putzmeister, Nieto said he also plans to expand CECE's reach into the mining sector. 

With the increasing localization of metals and minerals in Europe, he envisions a role for CECE in assisting global mining manufacturers in navigating new regulations. This move aligns with the industry's focus on sustainability and environmental considerations. 

Nieto's first major announcement as President is the unveiling of the next CECE Congress, scheduled for 23 – 25 October, 2024, in Madrid, Spain. Hosted by ANMOPYC, the event will focus on the theme of reindustrialization.