Working out beautifully
April 1st 2008

Crown triumphs at FLTA Awards for second year in succession

For the second year running, Crown Lift Trucks have scooped a major prize at the annual Fork Lift Truck Association Awards for Excellence.

The company took the 'Ergonomics' award, one of the four prestigious product categories, with its new RC 5500 Series of counterbalance trucks. This follows last year's achievement when Crown won the Innovation Award for the TSP 6000 turret order picker.

This year Crown fought off stiff competition from Komatsu, Linde, STILL and Toyota to claim the prize – known worldwide in the materials handling industry as the 'Archie'.

The RC 5500 was a worthy winner. The most versatile counterbalance on the market today, it can be used throughout the workplace, from unloading trailers and transportation both outside and in, to stacking and storage.

The FlexRideTM suspension reduces shock and vibration by up to three times, making for a smooth ride over the roughest surface. Contoured back rests, hip pads and foot rests add to operator comfort – and productivity.

Travelling power unit first maximises visibility, as does the placement of pillars, mast and overhead guard. Access 1 2 3TM Comprehensive System Control, the Intrinsic Stability System and a new intelligent e-GENTM Braking System also help make the RC 5500 the world's leading counterbalance. It is a highly productive stand-up series which allows for easy driver entry and exit especially designed for applications where the operator is required to constantly be on and off the truck. No wonder it impressed the FLTA judges.

The four major Awards decided by an open vote within the materials handling community were Environment, Ergonomics, Safety and Innovation (won by Crown in 2007 for the TSP 6000 turret order picker).

Since it won the FLTA 'Innovation' award a year ago (and, incidentally, four awards in Europe and the USA as well), the TSP 6000 has taken the UK market by storm. Its superb performance in very narrow aisles, its revolutionary platform and seat and the latest mast technology have won Crown orders from companies large and small.

Single site logistics companies are using the TSP 6000 as are some of the largest, multisite names in manufacturing and distribution. They are recognising that the TSP 6000 can help warehouse managers maximise space utilisation and materialshandling productivity. This is especially true as it can operate in the tightest situations – its three-point design giving it a remarkable turning radius and greater manoeuvrability than any of its competitors.

FLTA Chief Executive David Ellison said this year's winners, including Crown, were "shining the spotlight on all that is best in materials handling and helping to encourage continued improvement in standards".

Crown UK's Managing Director, Simon Emery picked up the Ergonomics Award on behalf of the company. "It is recognition of all the work done by the backroom staff, especially designers and engineers, to produce a truck that is truly versatile and highly operator friendly," he said. "If the operator is happy and comfortable then productivity is increased – and that is good news for everyone." The new GPC 3000 Series of low level order pickers (featured on the front cover) makes picking faster and easier – leading to greater efficiency. The TSP 6000 is proving a major hit with customers and, importantly, their operators. The RC 5500 is basking in the title of 'the world's leading counterbalance'. No wonder the future is looking bright for Crown in the UK.

"This year Crown will continue to manufacture, introduce and promote new products that are innovative and offer high productivity but are also, in keeping with the Crown ethos, outstandingly well designed," concluded Simon Emery.

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