US materials handling professionals recognised with awards

News Story
- 23 Oct 2025 ( #1253 ) - Tuscon, AZ, United States
1 min read
Jim Vandegrift recognised with MHEFI award
Jim Vandegrift recognised with MHEFI award

Five US materials handling professionals have been recognised with awards at the MHI’s annual conference held in Tucson recently.

The Material Handling Education Foundation (MHEFI), MHI’s independent charitable organisation to support and retain talent in the materials handling sector, presented three awards.

Sal Fateen, CEO of Seizmic, Inc, received the 2024 Norman L Cahners Industry Award.

Gregg Goodner, board member of Hytrol, was honoured with the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award which recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary, long-term contributions to the materials handling industry.

The MHEFI Exceptional Contribution Award, which recognises professionals who have made significant impact on the materials handling industry, was bestowed on Jim Vandegrift, the retiring president of R&M Material Handling.

Katie Hall, a marketing specialist with Fives Intralogistics, received the Outstanding Young Professional Award from MHI’s Young Professional Network.

The Marketing Professionals (Mpro) community - a dedicated marketing professionals group within MHI - recognised Joe Pelej, the director of marketing for Matthews Automation, with its Outstanding Marketer award.

The 2025 MHI Annual Conference, held last week, featured keynotes, educational sessions, MHI Industry Group meetings, and networking events.

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