The Fleet Engineering Manager for Boral Transport, Merv Rowlands, is the 2009 winner of the Craig Roseneder Award for Technical and Maintenance Excellence in the Workshop.
The award is presented at the Technical and Maintenance Conference each year to recognise the professionalism of the men and women who work in the trucking industry’s workshops.
The Chairman of the ATA, Trevor Martyn, said Mr Rowlands was a worthy winner of the award, having over 28 years experience in the workshop.
“In his role at Boral Transport, Mr Rowlands has accountability for setting the specifications for some 1500 heavy vehicles operating for Boral around Australia,” Mr Martyn said.
“He has worked tirelessly with suppliers to improve the safety, environmental and ergonomic specifications of vehicles in the fleet.
“In particular, Mr Rowlands has played a leading role to commission the first Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) engines used in agitators in Australia. This technology is now being progressively rolled out across the Boral fleet.
“Mr Rowlands’ expansive list of achievements, which include development of many leading-edge trailer designs, is testament to his commitment to improve the impact the industry has on the community.”
Mr Rowlands said he was honoured to receive an award judged by his peers.
“Everyone knows that our industry is one you eat, sleep, live and breathe,” Mr Rowlands said.
“Receiving an award like this is one of those very special moments when you get recognised by your own industry for all the work you do.
“My job is the best job by a mile. I can’t imagine working anywhere else.”
As part of his win, Mr Rowlands received a scholarship to attend the American Trucking Associations’ Maintenance Council meeting in early 2010 and $1500 in spending money. He was also presented with an individual trophy and a gift from award sponsor Castrol.