Materials handling leaders from around the UK gathered at the Hilton Metropole in Birmingham to pay tribute to the companies, teams and individuals who contributed to the industry last year.

The Archies 2022, the first time the event was staged under the auspices of the UKMHA, featured a mix of old and new categories “to represent the entire spectrum of materials handling and celebrate the ingenious products and invaluable people” involved.

“After a two-year hiatus, it was great to be able to once again celebrate the industry in person and in such great numbers,” says UKMHA chief executive Tim Waples. “I would like to say a personal thank you to everyone who attended. We’re already looking forward to next year.”

This year’s winners were:

Supplier of the Year: Calor

Dealer of the Year: Bennie Equipment (Highly Commended: Hitec)

Safe Site: The Bury Black Pudding Company

Safety Ancillary Product: FB Chain

Safety Manufacturer Product: Still

Innovation Ancillary Product: Triathlon Battery Solutions

Innovation Manufacturer Product: Hiab

Environment: Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks

Ergonomics: Hyster

Apprentice of the Year: Sam Cookson of Toyota (Highly Commended: James Stout of Linde)

Services to the Industry: Graham Hanson

Lifetime Achievement: Ivan Groundwater