Linde China CEO CP Quek receiving the Shanghai Great World Records certificate.

Linde China's bumper-sized forklift driving competition has earned it a spot in the Shanghai Great World Records after drawing participation from over 450 companies and 900 participants across 20 Chinese cities.

A Linde spokesperson says the Shanghai Great World Records, China's equivalent of the Guinness Records, has named Linde Cup the record-holder for "largest scale forklift competition".

Multinationals that participated include Benz-DaimlerChrysler Automotive Co Ltd, BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd, Nestle Qingdao Co Ltd, Michelin Shenyang Tire Company Ltd, Amway (China) Co Ltd, Zhanjiang Pepsi Drinking (Chengdu) Co Ltd, UPS and Bombardier Sifang Power (Qingdao) Transportation Ltd.

Linde China marketing director SC Tee says the "passion and involvement" of the participants was delightful, with some companies holding internal competitions to send their very best to participate.

A Linde Cup participant handling Olympic mascot Fuwa (not shown) at various heights.

After the qualifying rounds in May and June and five regional finals in Tianjin, Shanghai, Suzhou, Shenzhen and Xiamen, 19 teams competed in the national event on August 8 at the facility of Beijing Benz-Daimler Chrysler Automotive Co Ltd (Forkliftaction.com News #310).

The national finals comprised two competitions - pallet handling around obstacles and the handling of small objects at various heights.

"These programs were designed to test the contestants' speed, accuracy and teamwork," the spokesperson says.

However, Linde threw a twist into the contest. While the teams could practise and prepare for the two competitions, a "mystery event" was added.

Participants were asked to place mixed-sequence boxes into the right sequence in the shortest possible time, testing their problem-solving skills and composure under pressure.

Taking part in the "mystery event".

Holding internal competitions to send their best players paid off for Changchun International Logistics Centre, which came first, and Changchun Sihuan Volkswagen Logistics Centre which placed third. Qingdao Nestle was second-placed.

The first prize was CNY32,008 (USD4,262.33) cash, second prize CNY22,008 (USD2,930.68) and third prize CNY12,008 (USD1,599.04). All winners received an Olympic ticket each for an event of their choice.

The event was covered by Chinese media like CCTV, China Daily, 21 Century Economy, China Business News, The Economic Observer, Sina.com, Sohu.com and others.