Michael Leu

As Forkliftaction Media wraps up its 20th anniversary celebrations, we share this message from founder and executive director Michael Leu:

It was with great delight that I and the Forkliftaction team read your many messages and testimonials for our 20th anniversary celebration this month. We were touched that so many of you took time out of your busy schedules during this challenging mid-COVID period to share what Forkliftaction has meant for you and your business.

It is very satisfying to know that we have created something that has become so integral to people from Auckland to Anchorage.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank those people and businesses for the kind words I have received from industry members who believed in our idea and supported us over many years, like Rob Whitmore from Cascade Australia who wrote: "You were one of the first dealers I met when I moved my materials handling career to Queensland in 1991. You led the way with Yale product and you have done likewise with Forkliftaction. An industry journeyman through and through. Well done to you and your team."

Many thanks also to those very important early supporters like Bernard de Meester from TVH, Sture and Anna Anderson from Svetruck, and the likes of Cascade, Carlo Piccirilli (Watts Tyres), Peter Honisch, Kaup, Lift King, Combilift, Bolzoni Auramo, Plant Handling, Elgas and so many others. Your faith in our concept meant we got off to a strong start.

Although the idea for Forkliftaction was conceived by me, it has been built and supported over the years by many people, including my partner, Melissa Barnett, who is Forkliftaction Media's senior journalist, and by my very loyal staff. I would like to give a special thanks to Ann Hofmans, who joined us in our first year as a web design architect. Ann is a highly intelligent individual who has worked her way from general management to her current role as Forkliftaction's CEO. Also Rodger Lamb, he of many roles, who remains a roving ambassador and knowledge bank; Rosie Clifford, our inspiring marketing guru whose work is everywhere to be seen; and Allan Leibowitz, long-time editor of Forkliftaction, who has become an industry authority. I am very fortunate to have such a group of self-motivated people, all who possess a great work ethic and company loyalty.

In the current tough times, with insecurity in business, we appreciate even more the value of our long connections and a place where you know you can trust and feel at ease, where we will continue to publish independently and comprehensively.

I wish all our friends well in this close-knit industry. Please stick together, keep communicating and connecting and adapting to new opportunities and we will all prosper together.

Here's to the next 20 years!