Stepping up into the role last month, Heer has replaced Pete Jolley, who has retired from the company after 15 years as general manager.

Heer has been with the company for eight years, the last three of which have been as deputy general manager. She will report to Kern owner, chief executive, president and managing director Uli Kern.

Kern is not recruiting for Heer's previous position - the duties of the deputy general manager role have now been absorbed by Heer in her new role and other existing senior employees.

Based at the Swiss manufacturer’s UK head office in Fareham, Hampshire, Heer will be responsible for driving growth across Kern’s mailing and packaging equipment portfolios.

She will primarily focus on increasing sales in the mailing market and continuing to grow the company’s capabilities in the packaging and logistics sectors.

Uli Kern said: “We are sad to see Pete Jolley leave the industry but wish him a long and happy retirement.

“Michelle now takes the role of general manager with a new focus on not only serving our customers in our traditional marketplace but also expanding the company by introducing new products and services.”

Heer added: “Kern are well-known for delivering pioneering products and services to customers to help them achieve new levels of efficiency.

“Coupled with our renowned customer service and engineer network, we offer a compelling proposition for businesses looking to remain competitive.

“I am looking forward to growing the business into new and existing product areas in the short/medium term and tackling the challenges faced by our industry.”