Winners were selected through a public vote on the FLTA website and received a solid bronze statuette.

The Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA) has announced the winners of its 19th annual Awards for Excellence.

Product category winners on the night included BMB Weatherproof Canopies' Pallet Truck Bag (Environment), Yale's Mast-Mounted LED Lights (Safety), Cat Lift Trucks' NPP16-20N2 (R)(E) Power Pallet Trucks (Ergonomics), and Aisle-Master's Cold Store Aisle-Master (Innovation).

Winners were selected through a public vote on the FLTA website and received a solid bronze statuette.

Individual awards were presented to Mathew Wood of Rushlift Ltd (Apprentice of the Year), Malcolm Pearson of Midac UK (Services to the industry), and the Association's former chief executive, David Ellison, was honoured for 'Services to the FLTA'.

Babcock International Group was named "Safe Site" for its innovative approach to safety management. Rather than dictate protocol, Babcock involved all of its forklift drivers and supervisors in an open discussion on the subject of safety to identify key issues. Discussions resulted in the introduction of 21 safety standards, and empowered more than 550 staff to help achieve compliance.

Since 1995, the awards have served as a "Pick of the Year" for materials handling products and services, rewarding those who strive to raise standards in the forklift industry.

TV news anchor Emma Crosby was assisted in this year's presentations by FLTA chairman Martyn Fletcher.

During the evening, they were joined by representatives from the event's sponsors, including: Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks UK, HSS, Aldermore Bank plc, Doosan Industrial Vehicle UK, Yale Europe Materials Handling, B&B Attachments, Powercell, Interfit, BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions and Combilift Ltd.

An open vote of attendees at the dinner crowned Douglas Gillespie Plant the winner of the inaugural Customer Focus Award.

"Awards 2013 has been a resounding success," says FLTA chief executive Peter Harvey. "This event continues to celebrate all that is good in the materials handling industry and, for more than 19 years, we have encouraged the progress that has been achieved."

For the full list of winners, their categories and award sponsors, visit: www.fork-truck.org.uk.