TORONTO, (May 11, 2005) — Bob Gibson, a 40-year industry veteran, was named Canada’s top wrench wielder this afternoon at the 42nd annual Canadian Fleet Maintenance Seminar in Toronto.

Gibson, who’s been with Tilbury, Ont.-based International Freight Systems for the last 37 years, was named the 2005 Canadian Fleet Maintenance Manager of the Year. The award — sponsored by Volvo Trucks Canada — is handed out every year to an outstanding Canadian fleet maintenance manager who has also demonstrated excellence in training, innovation, leadership, and overall contribution to the trucking industry. The winner is chosen by two trade industry journalists and past award recipients.

Gibson is responsible for the maintenance, service program scheduling, safety and repairs of over 150 pieces of company equipment, plus an additional 200 owner-operator vehicles. He’s also responsible for training and mentoring new employees.

“Maintenance has to always be up front. Safety has to always be up front. With the two of them together a fleet can do anything,” he told the CFMS audience during the seminar’s closing ceremonies today.

Gibson made sure he thanked the trucking industry, colleagues, and his company for his award. ‘When you have a good organization that lets you have the freedom to do what you want, then it makes all this that much easier.”