FIVE workers with digger maker Komatsu have won gold medals in the firm's Techno Olympics skills competition.
The Birtley business holds the competition every year to demonstrate the skills and ability of its staff.
The winners were Brian Smith for welding, Mark Forster for module inspection, Alex Newman for assembly, John Savory for paint and David Fletcher for under-21 welding.
It was the first time Komatsu suppliers took part in the contest, allowing Mr Smith, 61, from Evenwood, near Bishop Auckland, to compete.
He said: "The competition was extremely tough as I was up against some very skilled Komatsu workers. I think in the end it was my experience that managed to clinch it."
Mr Savory and Mr Newman have now been chosen to represent Komatsu UK at the inter-company finals to be held in Komatsu City, Japan, later this year.
They will be competing against workers from all over the world.
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