New product development manager at Forterra
Scandinavian R&D expert Ylva Gerhardson takes up new role focusing on innovative products
YLVA Gerhardson, a research and development expert from Scandinavia, has been appointed as new product development manager with building products firm Forterra.
She joins Forterra after almost a decade working for Swedish material technology and engineering group Sandvik, four years of which were spent in the UK.
Based at the company’s Wilnecote brick plant, Ms Gerhardson’s role with Forterra will be to ensure new products and significant changes to materials and processes within the company are effectively managed, with a primary focus on product development.
Commenting on her appointment, she said: ‘I wanted to work somewhere where applied materials technology is central for the products, and realized there were a lot of opportunities for development at Forterra, as it’s a flexible company that has a positive attitude to change.
‘I think I bring a new way of looking at product development, but also additional technical knowledge from materials science-focused research and development.’
Stephen Harrison, chief executive officer of Forterra plc, said: ‘The new product development manager will help drive innovation into our business, promoting clear and transparent communication to existing and future product development activities and initiatives.
‘We think Ylva will bring a fresh approach to this vital new role and we welcome her to Forterra.’
