Over 100 participants honoured at Castle Donnington event.
- Highlighting achievements from various Saint-Gobain sites.
- Intense challenges test drivers’ skills and expertise.
- Focus on sustainability aligns with Saint-Gobain’s green goals.
- Recognition of outstanding performance among drivers.
The annual event by Saint-Gobain in collaboration with logistics partner XPO Logistics took place in Castle Donnington, bringing together more than 100 colleagues, suppliers, and stakeholders. This gathering aimed to celebrate the exceptional skills and dedication of drivers from various Saint-Gobain sites, including British Gypsum, Isover, Weber, PAM, and Pasquill.
Participants, consisting of a shortlist of 21 drivers, engaged in rigorous challenges that assessed their manoeuvring skills, reversing abilities, precision in handling a figure-of-eight, and sensitivity towards vulnerable road users. The process involved continuous monitoring over the year through telematics, combined with the day’s performance outcomes to determine the winners.
The event featured several awards, underscoring teamwork and individual progress, such as the Team of the Year and Most Improved awards. This year, the prestigious Best Driver accolade was claimed by Matt Pearson from British Gypsum, Sherburn.
A significant emphasis was placed on sustainability, reflecting Saint-Gobain UK & Ireland’s commitment to reducing the environmental impact of its transport operations. Richard Hobson from Isover, Runcorn, was recognised as the Most Sustainable Driver.
Mike Chaldecott, Chief Executive of Saint-Gobain UK & Ireland, highlighted the critical role that drivers play in the company’s operations. He mentioned, “The work they do is integral to our operations. They are in front of customers every day and to many are the public face of our business delivering essential solutions to our customers.”
Chaldecott also shared insights on investments in new technologies and fuels, such as HVO, along with driver behavioural improvements, which collectively influence the carbon emissions from their transport activities. Additionally, he emphasised plans to further collaborate with XPO on a female driver academy to encourage diversity in the industry.
According to Dan Myers, MD of XPO Logistics UK and Ireland, the event was a testament to shared values of safety, sustainability, and people-centric practices. He stated, “Both groups share a passion for safety, sustainability, and people. This event celebrates all three of these values and recognises the vital role our professional drivers fulfil.”
The awards highlighted the dedication and professionalism of drivers, paving the way for future initiatives.
