The best forklift operators in the UK have been recognised at the National Material Handling Equipment (MHE) competition.

The competition, organised by Linde Material Handling and Co-operative Retail Logistics (CRL - part of Co-operative Group), pitted 33 forklift drivers against each other in a battle of skill, abilities and knowledge.

Twenty-three CRL distribution centres took part in the competition. An internal selection process chose the participants from these centres.

Competitors participated in safety and handling tests, driving competitions and skill evaluations. Linde conducted informative tours of the Basingstoke factory for competitors.

The winner of the reach truck operators division was James Cherry from the Cheltson depot, with Darryl Froude from Coventry in second place and Simon Mills from Halesowen in third place.

Chris Green from the Coventry depot was the winner of the counterbalance operators division, with Aaron Wright from Thurrock in second place and Steve Alsopp from Alfreton in third.

Wright says he likes participating in the competition and visiting the Linde factory because he likes seeing where the forklifts are manufactured.
"I like knowing that the products are getting better and better," he says.

The day also featured a remote control forklift driving competition. Chris Green won this competition as well - with the best time of 43 seconds.

The competition was first organised two years ago by Linde and CRL to help staff get a better understanding of safe work practices and to provide an insight into product design and innovations.

Neil Morrison, Linde's accounts manager and competition organiser, says the competition is a fun and effective way for all sides to gain perspective.

"Linking operators with management improves communication and is a way to engage staff on a business and social basis," he says.

"CRL see that the staff buys into the ethos of the co-operative movement; both parties will benefit in one goal."

Ian Smith, retail operations for CRL, says the competition helps deliver tangible, bottom-line improvements from staff involvement.

"This is one of the better events in the UK where we have the opportunity to bring managers and staff together," he says. "Through the competition, we are able to engage the people who are the true backbone of our industry directly with senior management. All sides learn what the other does."

Next year's MHE competition will feature picking and pallet trucks.