From left: State finalists Brett Loller (SA), winner Ben Manfield (Qld), Inoke Paea (NSW), Glenn Castle (Vic) and Anthony Zugaro (WA).

The grand final of the annual Swire Cold Storage National Forklift Driver competition took place on 11 July in Hemmant, Queensland with Ben Manfield winning the event on home turf.

Major sponsors Crown Equipment and CHEP Australia are keen supporters of the competition which focuses on safe forklift driving practices.

Contestants had to test their safe forklift driving skills on a new Crown Equipment 5200 series reach forklift truck while completing a course specifically designed by pallet maker CHEP Australia. The 5200 series is particularly suited to narrow aisles such as those found in a cold store environment.

"Crown Equipment has and continues to be very concerned with safety and producing the safest materials handling equipment possible. We are proud to support companies such as Swire Cold Storage in highlighting the importance of driving a forklift safely," says Craig Kenchington, general manager marketing, Crown Equipment Australia.

"The competition is a great initiative and one that is looked forward to by many Swire Cold Storage employees. We are once more delighted to have the support and expertise of Crown Equipment and CHEP Australia in delivering this very important event," say Lou Gheller, HR general manager, Swire Cold Storage.

The national winner received two flights and two nights accommodation in the capital city of his choice within Australia.