For its inaugural Archies event UKMHA chose the theme of Hollywood Glamour… and the delivery certainly lived up to the billing.

From the moment the capacity audience entered the VIP Lounge there was a real sense of occasion including a red-carpet walk – complete with paparazzi – a gala-style dining experience and a glittering ceremony.

For the winners it was undoubtedly a night to remember with host Mark Durden-Smith delivering a dazzling performance ranging from the dignified to the downright hilarious.

UKMHA would like to congratulate all the winners and extend a huge thank you to our sponsors for making the event possible.

Sponsored by Combilift

Winner: Calor

Why did they win?

Chosen by the membership of UKMHA for the quality of its support.

Finalists:

• Abbey Attachments
• FB Chain
• GNB Industrial Power

Sponsored by IBCS

Winner: Bennie Equipment

Why did they win?

The jury was impressed by the company’s commitment to going above and beyond on behalf of its customers with staff development, employee welfare, community engagement and charity initiatives also high on its agenda.

Highly Commended: Hitec Lift Trucks

Sponsored by CFTS

Winner: The Bury Black Pudding Company

Why did they win?

The company demonstrated an exceptionally high level of work and investment in improving site safety relative to its size and resources. It showed a real commitment to protecting the workforce in what has been a highly successful project, with no reported accidents since the safety changes were implemented.

Finalists:

• Wayfair (with ELOKON & Linde)
• Howdens & RTITB
• Babcock International
• Kingsland Drinks

Sponsored by Toyota Material Handling

Winner: FB Chain

Professional Fork Wear Gauge

Why did it win?

Simple yet highly cost-effective, this fork wear gauge was described by the jury as “absolutely genius”. In one precise reading that makes calibrations easier, it indicates how much usable working life remains, saving time during safety inspections.  

Finalists:

• Hoppecke Industrial Batteries Full maintenance and operational instructions
• B&B Attachments BlockMaster TK45-TEL
• ELOKON Laser and Ultra-wideband Detection System

Sponsored by F-TEC

Winner: STILL

Descent Speed Regulation (DSR) assistance system

Why did it win?

Measuring both load and angle of a gradient, the DRS system limits tractor speed on ramps. The jury felt it was a clever solution that could make big safety gains in a high-risk activity, especially among inexperienced drivers. 

Finalists:

• Crown Gena® Operating System with InfoLink
• Linde Smart Bumper option for Linde T14-T20 pedestrian pallet trucks
• Combilift Combi-FSE (four wheel electric side loader)

Presented by UKMHA

Winner: Triathlon Battery Solutions

QUASAR

Why did it win?

Developed for long shifts and heavy-duty operations, QUASAR’s innovative battery technology allows fast, opportunity charging and delivers longer cycle life and run times even in extreme outdoor temperatures, often delivering two shifts instead of one.

Finalists:

• Transmon Engineering UVC In-Cabin Sanitisation System
• Philadelphia Scientific Critical Alert Service

Sponsored by Close Brothers

Winner: Hiab

MOFFETT E5 25.4 NX

Why did it win?

The jury felt that this low noise, truck-mounted forklift could encourage the switch to electric. It can be extended at greater speeds than competitors, making it easier to load from one side while 4-way steering ensures go-anywhere traction.

Finalists:

• Hubtex NexX reach truck
• Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks EDiA XL FB40-55(C)N(H) Series
• Combilift COMBi-MR4 (Dynamic 360°)
• Crown Gena® Operating System with InfoLink
• STILL Descent Speed Regulation (DSR) assistance system
• Linde X20-X35 X range electric counterbalance trucks

Sponsored by B&B Attachments

Winner: Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks

Mitsubishi EDiA XL FB40-55(C)N(H) Series

Why did it win?

The quietest and most energy-efficient truck in its class, EDiA XL cuts noise and sound pollution and eliminates emissions whilst delivering all the power of a diesel truck. It’s AutoBoost system also eliminates power drop-off on ramps.

Finalists:

• Hubtex PhoeniX fully electric steering
• Translift Bendi ECO articulated forklift
• Hiab MOFFETT E5 25.4 NX

Presented by UKMHA

Winner: Hyster

Hyster® A Series lift truck

Why did it win?

Designed for operator comfort, the A Series provides up to 33% greater visibility, a step 65% larger and a seat 25% more adjustable than leading competitors. A series of well-implemented features contribute to an elegant and ergonomic design.

Finalists

• Combilift Combi-FSE (four wheel electric side loader)
• Toyota Material Handling Toyota Traigo 80 electric forklift truck
• Linde H35-H50/600 engine counterbalance trucks

Sponsored by TVH

Winner: Sam Cookson of Toyota

Highly Commended: James Stout of Linde

Runners Up:

• Aidan Graves
• Chris Bedingfield
• Connor Millar
• Declan Finch
• Deriece Smith
• Ed Hart
• Finley Edmunds
• Jack Duffy
• Logan Houghton
• Mason Taylor
• Oliver Wilton
• Ryan Hobson

Sponsored by Mentor

Winner: Graham Hanson

In recognition of his years at Midland Fork Lifts (and now Bennie Equipment), Graham Hanson was awarded Services to the Industry. Many engineers working in the sector today will have benefitted from his expert technical knowledge and support. In the words of his colleagues: “what he doesn’t know about forklifts isn’t worth knowing.”

Winner: Ivan Groundwater

As usual, the ultimate accolade of Lifetime Achievement was greeted with particular warmth as the capacity audience acknowledged the huge contribution made by Ivan Groundwater. Starting his working life as an engineering apprentice Ivan built, with the support of his wife Kathleen, a highly successful dealership covering a broad swathe of Scotland. Now retired from the role of Managing Director, he is still actively involved in the business supporting the smooth running of the workshop facilities.

To view and download all the images from the night please click here.