A Rocla-designed reach truck for the US market has received an honourable mention in the Fennia Prize competition run by the Fennia Group and Design Forum in Finland.

The reach truck's "creditable design" and "well-considered technical solutions" were attributed for the mention, a company statement said.

Rocla said the electric truck, which is driven in a standing position, has a compact design that "grants high satisfaction when used in various environments".

The three different modes - drive, lift and optional - are controlled by an ergonomic control stick.

The truck's lifting capacity ranges from 1000kg to 2000kg.

Rocla is a Finnish company that manufactures warehouse trucks and automated guided vehicles. Its international operations range from Europe to Asia and North America.

The biennial Fennia Prize of EUR25,000 (USD32,702) went to Lappset Group for the AXIOM series of playground equipment while 13 companies received honorary mentions.

The competition is judged by a 12-member jury made up of design and business communities' representatives, including internationally-renowned designer Alexander Manu of Canada.

It is now opened for the second time as an international event, with more than 60 companies applying for the top prize in 2004.