The Fleet Maintenance Manager for Ron Finemore Transport, Glenn Griffiths, and heavy vehicle engineering innovator Bob Woodward were honoured at the Castol Vecton Awards dinner in Melbourne last night as part of the ATA/ARTSA 2014 PACCAR and Dealer TMC.
Mr Griffiths was named the 2014 winner of the Craig Roseneder Award for Technical and Maintenance Excellence in the Workshop. The award recognises exceptional skill and dedication in Australia’s professional workshop personnel, with particular focus on innovation, mentoring and industry involvement.
Deputy Chairman of ARTSA, Martin Toomey, said Mr Griffiths was responsible for developing maintenance programs and delivering them to a fleet of 250 prime movers and 450 trailers.
“Glenn continually challenges the safety status quo, developing new equipment such as fifth wheel coupling aids and non-slip access ladder covers to reduce driver injury rates,” Mr Toomey said.
“He is dedicated to training the younger generation, with four apprentices currently learning the trade under his guidance.”
Mr Griffiths said he was honoured to receive the award.
“Although I accept this award myself, it’s a real team effort,” Mr Griffiths said.
“From the skilled breakdown guys at night to the apprentices learning the trade, they all help keep the fleet safe.
“We have a strong safety culture and a great record. We know that more than 500 people need to come to work and go home safely at night.”
Bob Woodward won the Castrol Vecton Industry Achievement Award, which honours groups or individuals who have developed and implemented new technologies, designs or procedures to improve the whole industry’s safety, efficiency or productivity.
The Chair of the Awards Judging Committee, Trevor Martyn, said Mr Woodward had helped revolutionise the way freight is carried on Australian roads over the course of his career.
“Bob has been involved in the road freight industry since the early 1970s. He was involved in the design of the first Queensland B-double in 1985, developed the concept of the tandem/ tri-axle B-double in 1988, and had significant input into the design of the 19 metre B-double,” Mr Martyn said.
“Bob is one of those people who brings a balance of technical and practical experience to every forum and project he is involved with.”
Mr Woodward was lost for words when the award was announced.
“What can I say? I’ve had a bit of a dabble in all forms of transport, but the trucking industry has fed me and my family for many years,” he said.
“I’ve had a lot of fun, there’s no doubt about that.”
Mr Griffiths will receive a trip to the American Trucking Associations’ 2015 Technology & Maintenance Council Annual Meeting and Transportation Technology Exhibition in Nashville, Tennessee and $A1,500 in spending money. He will also receive complimentary registration to the 2015 PACCAR and Dealer TMC.
