Technology Olympians head to Japan to defend titles

The winners of the Komatsu Technology Olympics are heading to Japan to defend their titles.

Following their success at the recently held Komatsu UK Technology Olympics, North East competitors Paul Phillips, Daniel Mason, Gary Errington and Ian Chantler, are preparing for the next stage of the competition.

Leading excavator manufacturer Komatsu UK Ltd is based in Birtley and has been running to Technology Olympics for 36 years.

The competition provides Komatsu employees with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and technical ability.

73 people competed in the Komatsu UK competition, comprising of permanent and temporary employees, apprentices and suppliers.

Paul Phillips came top in welding, Daniel Mason won the assembly category, Gary Errington topped the bill in machine inspection and Ian Chantler took the prize in the paint category.

Gary said, “I am very much looking forward to having the experience of travelling to Japan to compete and to have the opportunity to further improve my skills and learn new techniques from our colleagues in Japan.

“I started as an apprentice four and a half years ago and was made permanent in October 2012.

“I feel privileged to represent Komatsu UK in the International Technology Olympics competition in Japan”.

All four winners are set to travel to Japan later in the year to defend their titles in the All Komatsu Technology Olympics.

Komatsu’s Tracey Wilson, Senior Human Resources Manager, said:“Komatsu UK has been running the UK Technology Olympics for 15 years.

“The event is a great opportunity for apprentices, employees and key suppliers to compete against each other in their chosen field.

“In addition it is a good motivational tool and helps staff to maintain the high quality standards the company is known for.

“When it comes to competing in Japan they will further improve their skills and learn new techniques which they will bring back and pass on to colleagues in the UK.

“This year Komatsu UK are putting more focus than ever before on the Technology Olympics.

“This reflects our top management commitment to the competition and the benefits it provides to the business”