FLTA names winners of Awards for Excellence

Ten more names have been etched gloriously into materials handling history as winners in the latest Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA) Annual Awards for Excellence.

Ten more names have been etched gloriously into materials handling history as winners in the latest Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA) Annual Awards for Excellence, but, while nothing can compare with the prestige of actually winning an award, the organisers have been keener than ever this year to highlight the achievement of the finalists as well.

"They have won through from the initial nominations to stand before us tonight as the pick of what is finest in our industry," said FLTA vice-chairman John Chappell, who co-hosted the awards event on 11 February 2006 with chairman Paul Nichol.

"Indeed, each and every finalist is a 'best buy' - an individual, a product or a service that has raised the bar for all those who come after".

The thumping beat of percussion band Clatterati added an extra sense of occasion - as if it were needed - to a ceremony that clearly inspired the capacity audience at Birmingham's Hilton Metropole.

Among the most eagerly anticipated results were those in the three product and service categories decided by a postal ballot in which everyone in the UK materials handling world had been invited to vote.

They went to...

Safety: Doosan Infracore for the active safety control that ensures safe cornering speeds on its Pro-5 series electric counterbalance.

Ergonomics: Linde Material Handling for the ergonomic and comfort advantages resulting from the revolutionary design of its X range of reach trucks.

Innovation: Toyota Industrial Equipment for its operator presence sensing system, which permits drive and hydraulic functions only when the operator is seated.

A number of companies enjoyed double celebrations.

For the second time in three years, Jofson Mitsubishi saw one of its trainees take the Apprentice of the Year Award - this time it was Jonathan Done.

Albury Asset Rentals took the Supplier of the Year Award for the second year running.

Doosan and Linde each took home another award in addition to their safety and ergonomics 'Archies' - Colin Dewdney of Doosan winning Employee of the Year, and the Award for Design Achievement going to the Linde design team led by Paul Eckersley.

For Toyota, the event marked a record-equalling five wins in the product and service categories.

The other three award presentations drew appreciative responses for Alan Bird of Second City Fork Truck (Services to the FLTA), for Jim Brindley of the National Fork Truck Heritage Centre (Services to the Fork Lift Truck Industry) and for the amazing dedication of one of the industry's elder statesmen, Bill Phipps (Lifetime Achievement).

Bill Phipps' presentation, greeted with tremendous applause from all sections of the audience, was the most memorable moment and provided an emotionally charged finale to the ceremony.

Summing up the evening, FLTA chairman Paul Nichol said: "The winners - and finalists - in this year's awards reflect excellence at work in our industry.

"They stand as a testimony to the standards that can be achieved by the innovative, the imaginative - and the committed".

For more information on the Annual Awards for Excellence or the Fork Lift Truck Association, visit the FLTA's website.

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