An amazing 27 nominations have made it past the selection panel's expert scrutiny to become finalists in the Fork Lift Truck Association's Annual Awards for Excellence 2005.

That's almost double last year's total "and an all-time record for the Awards," says FLTA chief executive David Ellison. "It just goes to show that competition for these accolades is fiercer than ever."

FLTA chairman Richard Baxter said that, until the January 31 closing date, anyone working in materials handling could vote in the categories of safety, environment, ergonomics and innovation.

"These awards encourage constant improvement by recognising and rewarding those individuals and companies who have made outstanding contributions," he said. "If they are to have their maximum beneficial effect on our industry, they must go to the most deserving recipients, which is why it is so vital that everyone votes."

Voting cards were circulated to depots of all FLTA member companies and were the only valid means of taking part (photocopies, faxes etc would not count), the FLTA says.

To show how strong and varied the field is, here are the finalists:

Safety
Brigade, Castell, CAT, Hyster, Jungheinrich, Long Reach, Mondi, Palletcap

Environment
Brigade, CAT, Daewoo, Jungheinrich, Watts

Ergonomics
BT Rolatruc, CAT, Daewoo, Hyster, STILL

Innovation
BT Rolatruc, CMP, Crown, Hyster, Jungheinrich, Long Reach, Narrow Aisle, STILL, Translift Bendi

The Awards 2005 event is being staged on February 26 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole. Bookings are being taken now (individually and in tables of 10).