From left: Larry Lawrence, Eric Zumbrin, Heath Elliott and Darren Rucker

Forklift operators at the Saint Paris site of KTH Parts Industries Inc show an uncanny ability to perform at high levels.

The plant's two teams and four individuals - master operators Eric Zumbrin, Larry Lawrence, Heath Elliott and Darren Rucker-won meaningful awards in competitions during the 16th annual US Open Forklift Rodeo & Safety Expo, which was held on 29-30 October in Springfield, Ohio (Forkliftaction.com News #486). Thirty-two teams and a total of 66 forklift operators participated.

"We have a fast-paced environment," says Larry Goings, KTH supervisor of environmental health and safety. He doesn't believe other companies in the rodeo are accustomed to operating in a work environment with such ongoing demands. Goings joined KTH in 1995.

As a Tier 1 automotive industry supplier, KTH conceptualises, designs, develops and produces stamped and welded components.

"Quality and safety come first" with KTH forklift operators regularly taking educational courses, mandatory drug tests and related training, he says.

The 90 operators on 47 forklifts in Saint Paris push through two busy shifts of eight hours each, moving materials and loading trailers and often receiving overtime assignments. "Usually, they have 10-hour shifts," Goings says. The plant employs about 750 staff.

The forklift operators function in a densely populated work environment with "close quarters (but) safety is number one", Goings notes. Any operating infraction or physical damage results in the driver reporting to the tough-as-nails supervisor.

"Talk about a no-nonsense, get-it-done guy," says rodeo facilitator Richard Higgins. Goings "served as the chief official or judge as well as my number one guy" for the 2010 US Open Forklift Rodeo. Goings is a member of the Springfield/Clark County Safety Council's steering and rodeo committees.

KTH was incorporated in 1984 and began production in Saint Paris in September 1985.

Subsequently, KTH established additional manufacturing plants known as Kalida Manufacturing in Kalida, Ohio in 1996, KTH Shelburne Manufacturing in Shelburne, Ontario, Canada in 1998 and KTH Leesburg Products LLC in Leesburg, Alabama in 2001. "All were built around Honda (Motor Co Ltd) manufacturing facilities" in North America, Goings notes. Honda owns nearly 40% of KTH.

For many requirements, KTH uses state-of-the-art robotic systems including an automated welding process. KTH specialises in frame components and fuel tanks, primarily for Honda.

KTH reviews its environmental objectives and targets as part of its regular business planning procedures. KTH takes pride in properly managing resources, reducing the volume of waste, preventing pollution and responsibly disposing of all wastes.

And KTH also takes pride in the high-level performances of its equipment operators at the US Open Forklift Rodeo.