Tributes are rolling in after the sad passing of Amilcare Merlo, founder and president of telehandler manufacturer Merlo.

Michael McHale, chairman of McHale Plant Sales, has expressed the sympathy and regret of all at the Birdhill and Rathcoole distributorship following the death of renowned Italian engineer.

Born in 1934 on the outskirts of Cuneo, in the Piedmont region of Northern Italy, Merlo began his career working in his father's blacksmith workshop at just 14 years old. 


Inspired by his early entry into engineering, Merlo went on to open his first Merlo Group production facility in 1964 – a move that was to lead to the development of the Merlo telehandler range with its distinctive green livery and the establishment of a global distribution network. Today, the range comprises units developed for construction, agriculture and materials manufacturing uses with a growing market share in Ireland.  

Describing him as 'a truly inspiring figure', McHale pointed to a speech made by Merlo at his acceptance of an honorary Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Turin. Advising students present to 'have the courage to dare', he said: "those who do not dare will never receive anything…be curious and, even if it requires sacrifice, don't stop at the first defeat".