Caldwell Adds Melissa Searle as Sales Engineer

July 13, 2026 - The Caldwell Group Inc. has expanded its engineering sales team with the addition of Melissa Searle as sales engineer.

Based in Rockford, Illinois, Caldwell said Searle brings extensive manufacturing and industry experience to the role, having previously worked for Laclede Chain Manufacturing Company LLC in a variety of engineering, product management and operations leadership positions.

In her new position, Searle will work across Caldwell's product portfolio, helping customers address lifting challenges through the development of custom lifters and engineered lifting systems that incorporate technologies from the company's product lines.

Caldwell's offerings include below-the-hook lifters, construction lifters, mill duty lifters, Renfroe clamps and RUD lifting points. The company also partners with the RUD Group to align sales and marketing activities in North America. RUD's portfolio includes slings and lifting points designed for a variety of lifting applications.

“We are excited to have Melissa join our sales engineering team, as we keep building engineering expertise in support of our make-to-order product business. Melissa’s industry knowledge and full range of engineering, operational and sales experience means she can hit the ground running,” said Jeff Ferchen, director of business development.

Searle said the position provides an opportunity to broaden her experience and combine technical problem-solving with customer engagement.

“I was looking for an opportunity to broaden my experience, challenge myself in new ways and continue developing as a leader. Caldwell offers an exciting combination of technical, commercial and leadership opportunities that made this feel like the right next step. What attracted me was the ability to combine technical problem-solving with customer engagement,” she said.

She added that one of the initial challenges will be learning the company's broad product range and the industries it serves.

“The biggest challenge for me initially will be getting up to speed on this broad product offering and the variety of industries the company serves. Having spent nearly 10 years in a specialized segment of manufacturing, there will certainly be a learning curve. At the same time, that's one of the things that attracted me to the opportunity. I'm excited to learn from the team, expand my knowledge and gain exposure to new products, applications and markets. I see that challenge as one of the biggest opportunities for growth in this next chapter of my career.”

According to Caldwell, Searle has developed a reputation for helping customers identify solutions to engineering, product and operational challenges. Her new role will focus on supporting end users with complex lifting applications while providing exposure to a broader range of products and markets.

“Coming from a specialized manufacturing background, the opportunity to learn a wider range of products and markets is both motivating and energizing. I enjoy learning, and I look forward to expanding my knowledge. However, what stood out to me most wasn't a specific product or program; it was the people. I've had the chance to meet several members of the team over the years, and that's really where I first started to understand the company. While the variety of the business and the opportunities are exciting, it was ultimately the people and the culture that made the biggest impression,” Searle said.

Searle joined The Caldwell Group on June 22.