Two forklift truck operators from Travis Perkins plc are celebrating success after qualifying as finalists in RTITBS’s Forklift Operator of the Year competition.
Adam Hayes and Kristian Sherratt battled it out against forklift operators from across the UK, US and India to be crowned as finalists in an intense four-day competition, held at the International Materials Handling Exhibition at the Birmingham National Exhibition Centre.
The complicated tests included a theory knowledge assessment and a number of practical challenges, including moving an open case of 4,000 balls out of a high level rack with a rotator attachment. They then needed to tip all the balls into a new case without dropping a single one – Adam and Kris were the only two competitors to do this successfully.
Adam said: “Qualifying is an amazing achievement in its own right, but I’m already looking forward to being put through my paces and giving it my all in the Grand Final. The support from colleagues has been incredible and I’d like to thank everyone involved.”
Kris who has been driving forklifts for more than 10 years, added: “I was ecstatic to hear that I had made it through to the finals, this being the first competition I have entered where I’ve been driving the trucks. I just want to do all the Travis Perkins plc team proud in the finals.”
Mike Seddon, Instructor and Trainer at Travis Perkins plc, commented: The competition celebrates the skills, safety and professionalism of forklift operators globally and as a business that puts safety first, we are very proud that Adam and Kris were able to demonstrate this in practice. They both impressed the judges with their knowledge and outstanding manoeuvring skills – we wish them the best of luck in the rest of the competition.”
Adam Hayes and Kristian Sherratt will be taking part in the Forklift Operator of the Year Grand Final at RTITB’s headquarters early this year.
