The array of talent and innovation characterising the UK’s material handling and intralogistics sector is set to be celebrated at the final of one of the industry’s most prestigious awards ceremonies, The Archies.
Organiser, the UK Material Handling Association (UKMHA), has been flooded with nominations for this year’s event, which will be one of the highlights of the IMHX exhibition week in September.
Entrants compete to win a coveted Archie statuette, named after Archimedes – the father of engineering - a true badge of honour for recipients.
Winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony taking place at the Vox Conference Centre, within the NEC on the evening of Wednesday 10 September – and it promises to be a night to remember.
Rob Fisher, UKMHA CEO, said: “We’ve been staggered by the volume and quality of entries for this year’s awards and I must applaud everyone for the standard of their submissions.
"Frankly, I don’t envy the job of the judges having to find winners from such an outstanding set of nominations.”
Close on 100 entries have been shortlisted for this year’s competition – well above last year’s total, with nominations spread across all 15 categories.
The nominations recognise the contributions of everyone within the material handling and intralogistics sector, from new apprentices to those who have spent a lifetime in the industry.
The use of pioneering new technology from automation and AI to software and sustainability are all set to be recognised, as is the broad scope of training provision across the sector and the dedication to customer service, safety and efficiency.
“The breadth of the nominations illustrates what a strong sector we currently have and the innovative solutions dedicated professionals have developed to help transform the movement of goods and improve operational efficiency in one of the UK’s most important industrial sectors,” added Mr Fisher.
“The industry rightly deserves to celebrate the talent evident in today’s material handling and intralogistics operations. The UKMHA will be doing all it can to ensure The Archies does just that.”
The award categories reflect the entire material handling spectrum, with recognition set for individuals, projects and products, along with services and innovation.
They reflect the need to attract the best new talent to the industry – a key aim of the UKMHA – as well as the changing nature of the industry with the advances in technology such as automation and AI.
• Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by TVH, celebrates outstanding second and third year engineering apprentices.
• Best New Product, sponsored by Compact Manufacturing. This recognises the newly-launched product that has had an influential impact on the industry.
• Best Safety Initiative, this is awarded to the company implementing outstanding safety measures.
• Customer Service Excellence, sponsored by CFTS. This recognises the team delivering exceptional customer service.
• Excellence in Automation, sponsored by Hubtex. This award recognises advancements in automation within the material handling sector.
• Intralogistics Project of the Year is awarded to customer and supplier and recognises operational gains as a result of strong collaboration.
• Industry Leader Award, sponsored by Oxford Economics recognises an individual who has consistently shown leadership qualities and impacted the industry’s growth.
• Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Triathlon Intelligent Batteries, is the highest individual honour bestowed by the UKMHA and is presented to the individual who has made a significant contribution to the material handling industry.
• Logistics Innovation Award is presented to the company implementing the best, forward-thinking logistics solution or strategy.
• Operational Efficiency Award, sponsored by Service Geeni, recognises a measurable improvement in operations through implementation of new equipment, reconfiguration of distribution centre or warehouse, or use of automation or AI.
• Training Provider of the Year recognises the outstanding training programmes delivered by some of the best training providers in the material handling industry.
• Rising Star Award, sponsored by Close Brothers Asset Finance, recognises an emerging professional who has demonstrated exceptional talent and potential.
• Sustainability Excellence Award, sponsored by B&B Attachments, is presented to the company making significant efforts towards environmental sustainability.
• Technology Innovator Award is presented to the company developing or implementing cutting-edge technologies in material handling.
• UKMHA Dealer Member of the Year, sponsored by Combilift, recognises the company operating their business to the highest standard.