Since 1995, the FLTA has honoured members of the UK materials handling industry.

Irish forklift manufacturer Combilift garnered two awards at the Fork Lift Truck Association's 18th annual Awards for Excellence last Saturday.

Combilift collected the Victor Ludorum award, a gold-plated statuette created to mark the FLTA's 40th year. The trophy presented for the 2008 Combilift CB-multidirectional truck marked the manufacturer's second success of the night. Its Combi-RT earlier won the Innovation award.

Other big winners include Linde's 394 displacement pump (Environment), Ravas M-Forks (Safety) and JCB's Changezee teletruk carriage (Ergonomics); each receiving a solid bronze statuette after an open vote via the FLTA website.

Individual awards were presented to Daniel McKinnon of Global Materials Handling Ltd (Apprentice of the Year), Clive Mansfield of EnerSys (Employee of the Year), and Jim Cameron of FB Chain (Services to Industry).

Since 1995, the FLTA has honoured members of the UK materials handling products and service providers who strive to raise standards in the industry.

"While Combilift grabbed the headlines this evening, each of our 'Pick of the Year' champions and finalists represents a significant advance in ensuring materials are moved more safely, more efficiently and with less impact on the environment," said FLTA chairman Martyn Fletcher.

UK sporting hero and motivational speaker Sally Gunnell presented this year's awards, aided by Fletcher and representatives from sponsors B&B Attachments, BNP Paribas, Doosan Industrial Vehicle, Hitachi Capital, Interfit, Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks, Powercell and Yale Materials Handling.

The show opened with a performance from stunt cyclist Joe Oakley. After dinner, Tina Turner impersonator Kinisha serenaded the winners with "Simply The Best" before a live band led dancing until the small hours.

The full list of winners