The second annual Komatsu Excavator Operator Contest held in Abu Dhabi last week saw 30 excavator operators from as many companies across the UAE battle to win the title of the best operator in the country.
The contest was organised by Galadari Trucks and Heavy Equipment Co. (GTHE), Komatsu’s dealer in the UAE. Participating excavator operators from across the country vied with each other to show their mastery in handling their big earthmoving machines to complete the task of controlling an oscillating ball and putting it inside a tube in the least possible time.
Ashraf Hashish, senior general manager, Marketing, at Komatsu Middle East, said while the competition was aimed at consolidating the brand’s “relation with the machine operators and enabling them to get the experience of our latest machine technology”, the boys had tremendous fun in a closely-fought competition, leaving the audience spellbound with their nimbleness and dexterity in controlling the massive machines.
“The fine work control and accuracy of Komatsu machines enabled the operators to control the oscillating ball and put it inside the tube,” Hashish added.
Three of the quickest operators were awarded prizes, with Bilal Ali from Abdulla Al Qamzi Transport & General Contracting bagging the first position followed by Said Elsayed from Saif Al Jabri General Contracting & Transport and Haytham Zeyada from Emirates Roads Contracting Co in the second and third spots respectively.
Samer Khalid, general manager of GTHE, said: “Operators are the hidden soldiers (of the construction industry), and we regularly hold such contests to express our appreciation for their tremendous efforts.”
Khalid maintains that the UAE in general and GTHE in particular is pinning a lot of hope on Expo 2020, which he feels has already fast-tracked developmental activity. These activities will give rise to a host of new and big projects, thereby bringing a boom in the construction industry.
“Expo 2020 is an opportunity for us to stabilise our parameters,” he said, adding that GTHE is playing a remarkable role in the UAE’s development, and Komatsu was GTHE’s strength and identity.
“GTHE has an excellent distribution network, with presence in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Al Ain. A strong sales force, committed service technicians, and good leadership have helped GTHE to grow significantly over the last few years,” he added.
