The Fork Lift Truck Association has announced the finalists for its 2013 Awards for Excellence.

The 20 nominations, representing 16 companies across the globe, will vie for honours at the event which will be held on Saturday, 16 February at the Birmingham Hilton Metropole.

FLTA chairman Martyn Fletcher says the year's finalists comprise the association's selection of the year's best products and services, each demonstrating a commitment to create something innovative and original that will make a real difference to the lives of those who work with and alongside forklifts.

"Each has made a significant contribution to raising standards within our industry - which is the abiding aim of these awards. That is why it is so important for their efforts to be recognised through a vote ... by the very people who actually stand to benefit from these achievements."

Anyone whose work involves materials handling equipment is strongly encouraged to vote. This includes anyone who owns or hires forklifts, as well as those who manage, supervise or train forklift operators and, of course, the operators themselves.

Visit the Awards section of the FLTA website to find information on each of this year's finalists and to cast your vote online. The last day of voting is Wednesday, 16 January 2013.

The FLTA Awards for Excellence 2013 finalists are:
Environment
BMB Weatherproof Canopies Ltd - Pallet truck bag
Doosan Industrial Vehicle UK Ltd - DL06K E/G engine for Tier 4 models
Linde Materials Handling (UK) Ltd - Diesel particulate filter
STILL Materials Handling Ltd - RX70 full hybrid

Ergonomics
Cat Lift Trucks - NPP16-20N2 (R)(E) power pallet truck
Linde Materials Handling (UK) Ltd - Rotating seat
Toyota Material Handling UK - BT Option L low-level order picker

Safety
Cascade UK Ltd - DAGS fork covers
Linde Materials Handling (UK) Ltd - Proximity alarm sensor
Roadside Technologies - SDB-18 speed display barrow
Stanley Handling - ROBUR SBP Strong 5016
Toyota Material Handling UK Ltd - Taking Care with Toyota
Yale Europe - Mast-mounted LED lights
Pyroban Group Ltd - Gascheka Duo

Innovation
Aisle-Master - Cold store Aisle-Master
Briggs Equipment - Speed measuring tool
Combilift Ltd - Combilift SC
Enersys Ltd - Hawker XFC battery series
Linde Material Handling (UK) Ltd - Pro Brake hand pallet truck
Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks UK - EDIA EM electric counterbalance
TVH - MyTotalSource webshop