GREENE — Gold Medals aren't just for athletes, they're also for welders like Jordan Taft, who recently took first place in the Toyota Material Handling Group (TMHG) Skills international competition in Japan.

Taft, a welder at Raymond Corporation in the Greene facility, welded his way to first place against competitors from France, Sweden, Italy, China, and the United States; earning his gold medal. He also recently took first in the regional competition in June.

“It was an honor to represent Raymond in the competition and secure the gold,” Taft said. “I’m proud to work for a company that values the skilled trades, such as welding, and provides opportunities for skills advancement.”

According to the Raymond Corporation press release dated November 29, the international competition consisted of welding a steel pressure vessel, which required performing tack welding, executing semiautomatic welding, and finishing the vessel’s surface.

President and CEO of the Raymond Corporation Mike Field said, “The Raymond Corporation heartily congratulates Jordan Taft on this prestigious achievement. The passion and dedication our welders such as Jordan Taft bring to the craft is inspiring and is a testament to the empowering culture we strive to cultivate at Raymond.”

“For an industry that touches almost everything, there will always be a need for skilled workers who provide essential services to help keep the supply chain moving. Our skilled team members are a major part of what has helped Raymond be a leader in the material handling industry for the past 100 years.”