The RTITB Operator of the Year Competition 2013 started yesterday at the IMHX 2013 and what a first day it was!

Along with the start of the competition, which is sponsored by Toyota Material Handling UK, TNT Express Services UK & Ireland and Calor Gas, all visitors to stand 18N175 were welcome to operate a Toyota lift truck under the guidance of the RTITB Instructor in the lift truck experience zone. Today RTITB witnessed a large pink fairy driving a forklift for the first time in this zone, which was surely the sight of the day.

However the true magic took place just next door with the competitors demonstrating the powers of their lift truck operation in the demanding tests set by RTITB. The astounding performances were viewed by attendees of the IMHX, and the competitors' supporters, all of whom expressed their wonderment at the prowess on display.

The day concluded with the announcement of the top 3 operators: Richard Whiteley from the West Midlands employed by Houghton Global and trained by Front Row Storage, placed 1st and received a 2 night hotel break for 2.

2nd and 3rd were Phillip Contento (trained and employed by Convatec UK) and Graham Fitter (trained and employed by TNT Express Services UK and Ireland) respectively.

The 1st and 2nd placed operators go forward to the Grand Final on Friday 20th September where they will compete for the chance to be crowned RTITB Operator of the Year 2013 and win a brand new car. However Graham will have to wait and see if he has made it through as one of the top 2 qualifiers.

The RTITB team can't wait to see what IMHX day 2 will conjure!