Therma One maintenance and development supervisor Jesus Enrico Oyos (standing) oversees the simulator training of truck driver Allan TiloyTherma One Transport Corporation (TOTC), First Balfour’s heavy equipment transport and hauling business, recently purchased an Acreos HGV (heavy goods vehicle) simulator, the first company in the Philippines to do so.

The simulator enables operators to learn the specific controls of straight trucks and articulated trucks with trailers. Apart from improving the skills of its current pool of drivers, it enables TOTC to assess the skill level of its driver applicants.

TOTC maintenance and development supervisor Jesus Enrico Oyos said that since the Acreos’ assembly on Jan. 13, 2022, seven applicants have already undergone simulator training, four of whom are current TOTC drivers.

“Training them and letting them perform driving exercises will surely improve their skills, which we hope will result in increased productivity and improved efficiency and safety,” he said.

TOTC business unit head Jed Francis Decano added: “I firmly believe this new acquisition will also pave the way for empowering the whole organization. For instance, truckmen or those who assist truck drivers in restraining the loads and changing the tires can be promoted to truck drivers when they undergo simulator training and pass the actual trade test and all other related examinations. Aside from optimizing our operations, we will be able to create a work environment where people can develop their skills and truly excel.”

The Acreos simulator is a technology that provides various simulation modules and exercises that allow operators to master heavy equipment operations in a virtual environment. With the simulator, the use of actual heavy equipment in the conduct of training is no longer required, thereby reducing fuel costs and avoiding mechanical wear and tear.

The Acreos is the newest addition to First Balfour’s current lineup of the latest training and development technologies on the handling of heavy construction equipment. In 2020, its equipment rental business T1 Rentals bought its own simulator with the modules for operating a mobile crane and a hydraulic excavator.

First Balfour acquired its first simulator in 2014, making it one of the first companies in the industry to invest in the innovation. (Story/Photos by: Dolly Pasia-Ramos)