South Island’s top forklift operators rise to the top

Some of the South Island’s best forklift operators showed off their skills over the weekend as they battled for the chance to compete for national honors.

Foodstuffs South Island supply chain general manager Chris Lancaster said the annual Champions League forklift competition was always a highlight. It sheds light on the critical role of forklift drivers in keeping goods moving through a distribution center.

“On the track you can see that everything depends on precision. You know, it’s within millimeters. So it’s all about precision, safety, but a good, consistent pace.”

About 30 drivers from Foodstuffs South Island’s Christchurch and Dunedin distribution centers competed against each other in the supermarket co-op’s Forklift Champions League.

At stake for the drivers was bragging rights: the top two would be crowned next year’s regional rental industry association champions.

“They love it, it’s a skill they’ve acquired over the years and they’re very passionate about what they do.”

Limited and full-licensed forklift operators were tested in two categories: their ability and accuracy of counterweight control, and long-reach skills.

Foodstuffs has the largest forklift fleet in the South Island, with over 200 vehicles.

In a distribution center with an area of ​​70,000 sq. m Hornby employs 1,200 staff who sort up to a million parcels every week.

Lancaster said the competition is a good way for drivers to hone their skills ahead of the busiest time of the year.

“Everybody’s talking about Christmas now, it’s all about seasonal planning. That’s why we have big booms when people go on vacation.”

And he is confident the two South Island winners, who will be named at a ceremony at 1pm on Tuesday, will be strong contenders for national honors at next year’s forklift championships.

– Geoff Sloan, produced with support from NZ On Air.