Ryder has recognised Newbury-based technician Shaun Dixon as its 2017 top technician (top tech).

Participants were chosen from 269 technicians, based on their technical training qualifications, customer service performance and quality of workmanship.

The award follows a competition to test their maintenance expertise on a variety of vehicle brands and configurations.

The finalists had to complete 30 maintenance exercises within a fixed time, with 42 technicians advancing to a second level, where they faced a tougher set of tasks.

Top tech has been running for 16 years in Ryder’s US business, but this is the first year it has been organised in the UK.

Dixon (pictured), who is based at Ryder’s Newbury workshop, was presented with the award by Simon Ranner, UK operations director, and Andrew Foxon, senior operations manager, south.

He was rewarded with a VIP week-long trip for himself and a guest to the US, to watch the live final of the Ryder’s North America top tech competition in Nashville, Tennessee, along with Ryder UK’s ‘best in class’ apprentice for 2017, Byron Hammond.

Dixon said: "The exercises we had to complete in the fixed time were really testing, particularly on the second level, and as there were no restarts allowed, you had to be on top form and do your very best."

Ranner said: "Congratulations to Shaun, he outshone his colleagues with consistent scoring in both levels – he’s certainly one to watch. It’s been a great success, which has been down to all the technicians who took part; it was a close-run competition."

Ryder Europe’s vice president and managing director David Hunt said: "The dedication Shaun has shown to his craft is inspiring, and it demonstrates why our customers trust Ryder to provide unparalleled customer service and vehicle uptime they can rely on.

“Our technicians’ hunger to keep learning, coupled with their willingness to help others, is impressive and to be admired.

"Honouring and acknowledging the work of our technicians is very important. We want to make sure they embody Ryder values every day, as they act as extended arms of the business.

"Top tech is a valuable tool in developing the best technicians in the industry."

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