Saint-Gobain celebrates its 10th annual driver of the year awards with logistics partner XPO
Starting 10 years ago, the Saint-Gobain Driver of the Year awards recognise the best and most sustainable drivers from across the Saint-Gobain fleet.
Over 100 colleagues, suppliers and stakeholders gathered in Castle Donnington to recognise and participate in the 2024 Saint-Gobain Driver of the Year awards which again was held in partnership with XPO Logistics, a logistics partner to Saint-Gobain. This annual event recognises drivers from across all Saint-Gobain sites, including British Gypsum, Isover, Weber, PAM, and Pasquill, and sees the shortlist of 21 drivers take part in a series of challenges. These test the hopefuls on their skill, expertise, and professionalism, taking on challenges such as tight manoeuvring, reversing, figure of 8, and dealing with vulnerable road users.
Over the previous year, drivers who have opted-in for the awards have been monitored by telematics and the results of which were combined with the outcomes of the on-the-day challenges to decide the winners. There are multiple awards to be won on the day including “Team of the Year” and “Most Improved”, before the prestigious “Best Driver” is announced, which was taken home this year by Matt Pearson from British Gypsum, Sherburn.
This year, there was a heavy focus on sustainability as we continue our journey toward reduce the environmental impact of our transport activity, with Richard Hobson from Isover, Runcorn, winning the award for “Most Sustainable Driver”. In partnership with XPO, we’re continuing with the roll-out of HVO vehicles and electric trials in order to lower the carbon impact of our transport.”
Mike Chaldecott, CEO of Saint-Gobain UK & Ireland, who was also in attendance on the day said:
“It was great to see so many of our drivers from across Saint-Gobain in attendance on Thursday, celebrating each other and their achievements. 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 every day. Taking time to recognise their skills and expertise and thank them for their daily efforts.
As well as driving skills we also celebrated the most ‘sustainable driver’. As well as the investments we are making in new technology and fuel, such as HVO, driving behaviour can have a big impact on the emissions from our transport. We also used the event to look forward to ways we are continuing to develop our work with drivers in the future. This includes working with XPO on our female driver academy. It’s vital that we support the development of new drivers and create a space for them to potentially win these awards in the future. Congratulations to all the worthy winners on the day.”
Dan Myers, Managing Director—UK and Ireland, XPO Logistics, said, “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. I am genuinely proud to recognise and celebrate their success.”
About Saint-Gobain
Worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and services for the construction and industrial markets. Its integrated solutions for the renovation of public and private buildings, light construction and the decarbonization of construction and industry are developed through a continuous innovation process and provide sustainability and performance. The Group’s commitment is guided by its purpose, “MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME”.
€47.9 billion in sales in 2023
160,000 employees, locations in 76 countries
Committed to achieving Carbon Neutrality by 2050
For more information about Saint-Gobain, visit www.saint-gobain.com and follow us on X @saintgobain
About XPO
XPO, Inc (NYSE: XPO) is a leader in asset-based less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation in North America. The company's customer-focused organization efficiently moves more than 8 million tons of freight annually using its proprietary technology. XPO serves approximately 53,000 customers with 615 locations and 38,000 employees in North America and Europe.
The company's head office is in Greenwich, Connecticut, USA. For more information, visit xpo.com and europe.xpo.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.