FLTA Awards for Excellence 2018 winners

Big winners in the product categories of the recent FLTA Awards for Excellence included HIAB's E-MOFFETT in the Environment category, which was praised by the jury for allowing a national chain to overcome residential noise complaint issues, while reducing fuel costs and its carbon footprint: all this without any alteration to its distribution model.

Linde added another Archie statuette to its eight-strong collection when it was awarded the FLTA Award for Ergonomics. The unique design approach of its T20 S electric rider stand-on pallet truck, which reduces body vibration by 38%, caught the jury's attention.

In the Safety category, jurors recognised first-time entrant Elokon for its ground-breaking ELOprotect system. Available for retrofit, it helps prevent collisions involving pedestrians and/or trucks in risky narrow aisle environments.

The Innovation Award went to another first-time winner: Philadelphia Scientific. The Awards' expert jury was impressed by this simple-but-effective, affordable and time-saving solution to the costly and widespread issue of flooded batteries.

The Archie for Supplier of the Year went to MIDAC, while high praise for customer service, involvement in the wider community and commitment to health and safety saw MSM DRH win the Dealer of the Year trophy.

The FLTA Board was hugely impressed by the wide field of entrants in this year's Safe Site category. The winner, Scottish Railway Preservation Society, stood out for the way the organisation used engagement to tackle negative attitudes towards training - particularly among older volunteers. Entries from CF Fertilisers and Chivas Brothers Ltd were highly commended.

In the Apprentice of the Year category, two young engineers from Linde Material Handling were recognised for their skill and dedication. James Middleton was named overall winner, with Oliver Shephard the runner-up.

The Association also revealed the 15th recipient of its Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to those whose extraordinary career achievements are an inspiration to all. This year's honour was bestowed on Paul Pleasants of PLP Lift Trucks.

The gala dinner also included a moving tribute to industry stalwart Alan Bird of Second City Lift Trucks, who passed away in January.

The ceremony closed with the presentation of the Services to the Industry Award to John Knowles of JKC Creative Marketing.

"With a record number of entries to contend with, each of our winners faced the stiffest of competition," says FLTA chairman Duncan Nealon. "My hat goes off to each and every one of them."