Jebsen & Jessen Group Appoints Karl Tilkorn as CEO to Lead New Business Unit for Material Handling

Singapore, April 1, 2026 – Jebsen & Jessen today announced the appointment of Karl Tilkorn as Chief Executive Officer for the newly created Material Handling business unit. This strategic move marks a significant milestone in the Group’s ongoing investment and development of the material handling business, operating under the established MHE brand.

Karl’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment as the Group formalises Material Handling as its seventh business unit. This follows the Group’s 2023 acquisition of the regional Industrial Products (IPD) business from Konecranes, as well as the more recent acquisition of material handling and service companies Safetech and EMS in Australia.

Today, MHE is a S$170m business across Asia Pacific, with manufacturing capabilities complemented by engineering and technology solutions in industrial automation and material handling from leading partners around the world. A wide range of sectors benefit from MHE products and services, from general building and construction to the highly specialised aerospace industry.

With the elevation to a full business unit, MHE is poised for the next phase of growth under the leadership of Karl, who brings extensive experience and a proven track record. He previously led the Group’s MHE‑Demag joint venture and following its divestment in 2019, continued with the business under Konecranes. After rejoining Jebsen & Jessen in 2023, he played a central role in rebuilding the MHE portfolio.

“Karl’s appointment is in line with longer‑term value creation for the MHE business as part of the Group’s Aligned to Thrive strategy,” said Per Magnusson, Group CEO, Jebsen & Jessen. “Our material handling competency has scaled significantly since the recent acquisitions and business integration activities, which allow us to move and innovate more effectively.”

Sharing his vision, new CEO – Material Handling Karl Tilkorn said: “I’m honoured to lead the MHE team as we step into this new chapter. Over the last few years, we’ve rebuilt our foundation, integrated new capabilities and expanded across key markets. This new organisational structure has given us clarity, agility and strategic focus to strengthen our leadership position and deliver even greater value to customers across the region.”

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About MHE
​A Jebsen & Jessen brand, MHE is a leading provider of industrial and material handling products, services and solutions. MHE provides a complete range of services for its industrial and material handling products. This includes manufacturing, engineering, renting, trading, supplying and servicing of dock levellers and door systems, mechanical car park systems, building maintenance units, boom lifts and aerial work platforms, as well as warehouse trucks and lift systems, among others. MHE operates across Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, contributing to the industrial development of growing and established economies for over five decades.

For more information, visit https://mhe.jjsea.com/

About Jebsen & Jessen Group
​Part of a global family enterprise that dates back to a trading partnership formed in Hong Kong in 1895, Jebsen & Jessen Group headquartered in Singapore is today an industrial conglomerate with a diverse network of businesses spanning manufacturing, engineering, mining and distribution activities. Core businesses include cable technology, industrial garnet, ingredients, packaging and other industrial technology, across more than 15 countries in five continents. Over 4,000 colleagues work as one to develop meaningful products and services for the myriad customers served.

For more information, visit https://jj-group.com/ ​