Top Guns recognised at internal skills development competition
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PRESS RELEASE
Top Guns recognised at internal skills development competition
17 October, 2014: Internationally-recognised manufacturing and engineering company DCD is proud to host its second annual Top Guns competition for welders, forklift drivers and crane operators today, with the aim of motivating employees to improve their skills within their specific field.
DCD Protected Mobility is this year’s Top Guns host, and general manager Andrew Mears notes that the competition is evidence of the company’s commitment to internal skills development. “This is the main focus of the day, as skills development is a big issue for DCD and is something that the entire Group is trying to enhance. Whether it is a welder, forklift driver or crane operator, this competition judges how safely they perform their tasks, and the skill with which it is carried out.”
Safety is of the utmost importance throughout the various DCD business units. This extends to the customer and the product, as well as to the safety of where the staff work, how they work, any protective clothing that may be needed, and the safety procedures that are in place. In addition, there is also an aspect of technical competency.
DCD Group managing director Rob King says that the Top Guns competition promotes employee safety, in addition to the quality and finish of the final product. “We place a strong emphasis on internal skills development, with this competition serving as the catalyst for encouraging personal growth and quality development within DCD. Internal development also helps DCD to continue its drive to create local content thresholds in the various manufacturing sectors of South Africa.”
The Top Guns competition is run in partnership with three sponsors, Afrox for the welding, Toyota Forklifts for the forklift section, and FB Cranes for the crane portion of the competition. Mears highlights that these sponsors were responsible for setting up the respective stations of the competition, as well as judging the competitors, and sponsoring prizes for the winners.
Leading gas and welding products manufacturer Afrox has been a proud sponsor of the Top Guns competition since its inception last year. The company is facilitating the welding section of the competition by providing the gases, welding consumables, and the personal protective equipment needed.
Afrox business manager for manufacturing industries, Johann Pieterse observes: “The welding competition acts as an incentive to challenge welders to increase their skills by competing against each otherin an environment where quality and productivity decides the winner. It comprises of three projects. Project one uses metal inert gas (MIG) welding, project two is flux cored arc welding (FCAW), and project three uses shielded metal arc welding (SMAW).”
Toyota Forklift regional key accounts manager Ryan Williamson points out that forklifts can prove to be dangerous items of equipment when placed in the wrong hands. “Skill is extremely important for forklift drivers, and many people underestimate the importance of a forklift driver. Forklifts are expensive machines and can be dangerous when not handled correctly. The competitors will be judged on their skill and safety.”
FB Cranes is a manufacturer and supplier of overhead cranes, rigging and lifting equipment. FB Cranes marketing director Timothy Best reveals that the company has dealt with DCD Protected Mobility and DCD Rolling Stock prior to its involvement in the Top Guns competition.
He states:“Developing good crane operating skills is very important as it reduces accidents. When operating a crane, it is important that the operator knows what they are doing. The competition will judge how safely and efficiently the operator manages the crane.”
Although there is a speed aspect involved in the crane competition, Best comments that safety plays a primary role. “There is a speed element involved, but within the limits of safety. The judges will determine how quickly the operator can complete a task in a safe and efficient manner.”
King believes that the Top Guns competition allows DCD to confidently benchmark its skills, not only against other members in the Group, but also against international standards. “For DCD it is important to host this competition because we see ourselves at the forefront of developing more lean, efficient and smarter manufacturing processes. I would like to thank and congratulate everyone who is taking part in today’s competition,” he concludes.
Ends
Notes to the editor
There are numerous photographs specific to this press release. Please visit http://media.ngage.co.za and click the DCD link.
About DCD Group
DCD Group (Pty) Ltd is an international manufacturing and engineering company providing products and solutions to the rail, defence, mining and energy and marine sectors. As a group DCD is able to offer comprehensive, integrated heavy engineering solutions in addition to bespoke individual solutions. DCD has been an integral participant in South Africa’s infrastructure development for decades and is now playing an active role as a partner of choice to government in the current infrastructure expansion drive.
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DCD Contact
Andrew Mears
General Manager
Phone: (011) 281 7300
Email: andrew [at] dcd [dot] co [dot] za
Web: www.dcd.co.za
Media Contact
Ryan Collyer
NGAGE Public Relations
Phone: (011) 867-7763
Fax: 086 512 3352
Cell: 072 377 5000
Email: ryan [at] ngage [dot] co [dot] za
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