The Fork Lift Truck Association has presented awards to reward achievements in the materials handling world

The Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA) has presented awards for 11 categories, rewarding achievements in the materials handling world, from apprentices to lifetime achievers, in a ceremony attended by the industry's movers and shakers.

Now in their 16th year, the awards have proven influential in encouraging UK forklift companies to strive for high standards.

Individual winners included Luke Elmer, a University of West England graduate, who picked up a Design Achievement Award for his Vibralert system which warns pedestrians of nearby forklifts.

FLTA president John Chappell says he hopes the award will encourage further development of the idea and fulfil its potential to save lives.

As usual, the final four product categories were the source of the awards' fiercest competition, with companies vying for the top spot in a series of open, public votes.

Cascade Corporation, Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks, Abex and RAVAS Europe BV emerged victorious in the close-run contest.

The climax of the event was when Kevin Lofting, founder of Albury Asset Rental, collected the Lifetime Achievement award. Association chairman Martyn Fletcher described how Lofting had worked his way from humble beginnings to become one of the industry's best-known members.

Awards attendees were treated to comedy from Radio 4 star Mervyn Stutter, followed by jazz music, a casino and dancing in Lola's Bar that evening.

Below is the full list of winners and their categories:
Apprentice of the Year
Mark McRobert (Northern Forklift Scotland Ltd)

Employee of the Year
Nathan Gardner (Stantone Mechanical Handling Ltd)

Design Achievement
Luke Elmer

Services to the FLTA
Richard Hayes

Services to the Industry
Günter Fritzsche (Jungheinrich)

Safe Site
Anglesey Aluminium Metals Ltd

Environment
Cascade Corporation UK

Ergonomics
Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks UK

Safety
Abex

Innovation
RAVAS Europe B.V.

Lifetime Achievement
Kevin Lofting