Fork Lift Truck Firms Asked to Publicise the Skills Which Make Moving Freight Easier

UK – Anyone who has worked in a busy freight warehouse, cargo terminal or wholesale facility will know there is often competition between staff as to the level of skill possessed by each one, particularly with regard to competence when operating fork lift trucks. Now is the time for those who supply the necessary hardware to make the lives of those on the front line easier to demonstrate their organisation’s skills in development of materials handling with the invitations out for the Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA) Awards for Excellence 2015, but remember, this is a chance for group wide glory, not simply individuals who excel at their jobs.

Whether your company has an excellent new product or service, or a special individual or team that deserves industry-wide recognition, the FLTA says put yourself in the running! Winners will be presented with the famous Archie statuette, the materials handling industry’s highest accolade, at a ceremony to be held at The International Centre in Telford on Saturday 28th February 2015. FLTA Chief Executive Peter Harvey, spoke at length about the competition and the various classes which this year merit an award, saying:

“It would be impossible to keep aware of all of the development in the materials handling industry around the globe. There’s always something innovative being launched which will make our industry that bit safer, that more environmentally sound or more driver friendly… and, of course, there are the men and women who go above and beyond the call of duty and deserve public recognition.

“That’s why we’re calling upon those working with and alongside the forklift industry to signpost us to those who are driving standards higher every day. But don’t be shy. Many of our Finalists and, indeed, winners, have actually put themselves forward for an Award. We strongly encourage this as it ensures that our Awards shortlist, the Pick of the Year, recognises all of our industry’s great new developments.

“We want manufacturers, dealers and end users of fork lift trucks to enter one or more of the four key product and service categories – Ergonomics, Environment, Safety and Innovation. There are also several other awards for which you might like to nominate your company, your colleagues or even your customers. Once again we’re welcoming entries from end users for the Safe Site Award which recognises significant improvements to improve working practices. We also want to hear from fork lift truck dealers who have done something special to support a customer within the Customer Focus category.

“While there is nothing quite like being presented with the world’s most prestigious trophy for materials handling excellence, it isn’t all about winning. No matter how great a product or service, getting it noticed in a crowded marketplace is what really matters, and nothing does this as powerfully, as effectively, and over such a sustained period of time, as being shortlisted as a Pick of the Year finalist.

“The Awards are a great leveller, it’s not about how big you are or how much money you make, it’s about how good your product, service, or conduct is. On more than one occasion, we’ve seen small, young companies go head-to-head with industry-leaders and win.”

To be eligible for the Awards, your new product or service must have been available for purchase in the UK from 1st October 2013 to 30th September 2014, or the product must have been fitted to equipment that is available to purchase in the UK. Further guidance is available on the FLTA website.

Importantly, there is no limit on the number of entries allowed, so get entering today. But be quick – you only have until 30th September 2014 to make your nominations. The FLTA is now accepting entries for the following categories:

• Ergonomics

• Environment

• Safety

• Innovation

• Customer Focus Award (dealers)

• Safe Site Award (fork lift truck users)

• Services to the Fork Lift Truck Industry

For more information about the FLTA Awards or the Association itself check the FLTA website or email mail@fork-truck.org.uk or call the FLTA office on 01635 277577.

Photo: A full complement of last year’s winners.