10/08/2026
There’s something special about getting our manufacturing community together. This past Friday we got to do just that at the Industrial Managers Association 23rd Annual Forklift Rodeo.
It was a day filled with friendly competition, plenty of laughs, good food, and most importantly, time spent together as a community. These opportunities to step away from the day-to-day, connect with industries, and build relationships are what make the IMA special.
🏆Congratulations to all this year’s forklift rodeo drivers! You brought the competitive spirit and made the 23rd Annual Rodeo one to remember.
1st Place: Michael Brewer from MasterBrand Cabinets with a time of 2:20:53
2nd Place: Brandon Barnes from Spantek with a time of 2:32:68
3rd Place: Brandon Prince from HYDAC Group with a time of 3:00:25
4th Place: Marc Simmons from Tenowo 4:14:00
We were honored to have Senator Ted Budd, Dean Joanne Matz of Gaston College Lincoln Campus, and LEDA Board Member Kelly Atkins of First Federal Savings Bank join us and spend part of the day with our industry partners. Thank you for taking the time to be there and support Lincoln County’s manufacturing community.
👏A special thank you to VESCO Toyotalift of Hickory N.C. for sponsoring this year’s rodeo and to Gaston College for welcoming us to campus and providing a great place to bring everyone together.
We appreciate everyone who came out, competed, volunteered, sponsored, and helped make the day possible. We’re already looking forward to doing it again next year!
Active Concepts, LLC
Aptar
Blum USA
Robert Bosch Tools - Lincolnton
Cargo Integrated Logistics
Cataler North America
HUBER Technology, Inc.
Husky Rack & Wire
HYDAC Group
LeeBoy
MasterBrand Cabinets
Sennebogen - Americas
Spantek
Steele Rubber Products
Tenowo
The Timken Company