JLG appoints director of product management for connected solutions platform

JLG Industries has named  Ara Eckel as director of product management for the company’s connected solutions platform team. In this role, Eckel will drive the connected channel strategy.

Job site connectivity is an important trend in the construction industry today, and JLG’s connected solutions platform team works to develop cutting-edge digital technologies, that when used with JLG mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) and telehandlers, improve the overall value of the company’s products. The team’s product portfolio today includes a number of connected assets, including the JLG Augmented Reality and Mobile Control Apps, which include features like the new Bluetooth enabled analyser and analyser reader and advanced battery monitoring system, as well as ClearSky telematics with access control functionality, 3D interactive schematics, a BIM library, SkySense electronic detection system and AccessReady Fusion XR virtual reality training simulators.

“One of the biggest responsibilities JLG has as a leading global equipment manufacturer is to truly understand the needs of users – what they expect from the machine and how they want to interact with the equipment,” says Eckel. “The goal of our team is not only to demonstrate that we can deliver real-world job site value today, but that we also want to grow that value over time through technological advancements that create intuitive, engaging and interactive connected experiences.”

According to Eckel, JLG’s current connected solutions products only scratch the surface of what’s to come. “The sky is the limit for expanding the use of connected technologies. As we work to advance today’s connected job sites and tomorrow’s connected cities, we are focused on the customer. Anything we introduce is intended to make their work easier and their equipment more efficient,” he said.

Prior to joining JLG, Eckel’s work experience included various sales, marketing and technical product roles at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, General Motors, Meltwater Group and Apple Inc. He is a graduate of Ithaca College and holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University.

JLG’s team of product directors includes Eckel, Bob Begley, Daliborka (Dali) Ribeiro and Nate Hoover. This team’s primary focus is on elevating the company’s product strategy across three pillars: Safety, Productivity and Technology.