Senior Chief Operating Officer (Senior COO) | Aeppler Group

Wichita, Kansas | [m.thorne@aeppler-group.com] 

A seasoned leader with four decades of experience in heavy-duty and agricultural logistics. Marcus Thorne is a recognized expert in industrial-scale fleet management and the maritime integration of inland supply chains. With a profound understanding of vehicle engineering and physical infrastructure, he ensures the operational stability and mechanical integrity of the Aeppler Group’s global assets. He serves as a vital bridge between traditional industrial craftsmanship and cutting-edge Ag-Tech.

• Heavy-Duty Fleet Management: Oversight of 1,200+ units operating under extreme industrial conditions.

• Infrastructure Development: Strategic planning and construction of high-capacity logistics hubs and automated grain terminals.

• Predictive & Preventive Maintenance: Pioneer in implementing sensor-based maintenance protocols for large-scale fleets.

• Safety & Regulatory Compliance: Expert in DOT (Department of Transportation) regulations and OSHA safety standards.

2012 – Present

• Total responsibility for global physical infrastructure and the enterprise-wide vehicle fleet.

• Strategic Focus: Led the structural development of the AB-TIC in Waco, Texas. Ensured that workshops and test tracks met the specialized requirements for hydrogen-powered trucks and heavy agricultural machinery.

• Implemented a company-wide trailer life-cycle optimization program, reducing capital expenditure per ton of freight by 18%.

2004 – 2012

• Specialized in intermodal (rail/road) transport for the international export market.

• Modernized regional maintenance facilities and introduced the first computer-aided diagnostic systems for heavy-duty diesel engines in the Mid-West.

1994 – 2004

• Headed the technical department, ensuring the operational readiness of 400 grain units during peak harvest seasons.

• Developed dust-resistant braking systems specifically designed for heavy-duty use on unpaved rural farm roads.

• Logistics Officer | U.S. Army: Managed supply chains and vehicle maintenance during international deployments.

• Trained as a Mechatronics Specialist for heavy armored and transport equipment.

M.Sc. in Agricultural Engineering

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering

Kansas State University (K-State)

• Certified Automotive Fleet Manager (CAFM).

• Member: American Trucking Associations (ATA) – Technology & Maintenance Council.

• Award: Received the "Lifetime Achievement in Rural Logistics" Award (2023).

• Age: Late 50s.

• Interests: Raising Hereford cattle on his ranch near Wichita, actively supporting veteran outreach programs, and an avid collector of historical logistics and transport maps.