Design with a focus on operator comfort and overall productivity resulted in Crown Equipment Corporation receiving its 15th IDEA Award presented by the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA). Crown’s ST/SX 3000 Stacker Series received one of 20 Gold awards, out of nearly 1,700 entries, presented for 2006.

During the early stages of design on the Stacker Series, Crown research identified a need to offer comfortable hand positions and easy access to controls. As a result, Crown developed the X10™ handle to house the primary controls of lift, travel and horn - an industry first.  This innovation allows the functions to be utilized simultaneously and comfortably with one hand, right or left.

"Crown spends a lot of time observing what operators do and how they use a lift truck," said Vice President - Design Center Mike Gallagher. "Our goal is to design for noteworthy value in comfort, functionality and productivity. We fully expected the ST/SX to meet our customers' real world needs because we involved them in our innovation process, and we listened seriously to their input."

IDSA jurors took note of Crown’s efforts. "Crown sets the standard with an extremely well-planned, intuitive, attractive, functional and appropriate product. You just want to use it," said Robin Edman, CEO, Swedish Industrial Design Foundation.

Other operator-focused design innovations for the Crown ST/SX Series enhance visibility and the operator’s work space. Visibility is increased with the design of the low-profiled power unit and mast that houses hydraulic hoses. Additional features such as an integrated storage tray and folding work tray built into the load backrest offer more functionality.

The design of the ST/SX Stacker Series also offers productivity advantages in improved cube utilization, application versatility and increased safety through a more efficient work area.

In addition to judging on innovation, design and business implications, the IDEA Award recognizes organizations for efforts related to environmental sustainability. Crown’s ST/SX Stacker Series have several components that easily separate for reuse or recycling including the steel, plastics, hydraulic fluids and lead-acid batteries.

About Crown Equipment Corporation

Crown is the number one brand of electric lift trucks in the United States and the fifth largest lift truck manufacturer in the world. Crown’s award-winning line of lift trucks has earned a reputation for exceptional product design, engineering and manufacturing. From the smallest hand pallet truck to the highest lifting turret truck, Crown seeks to provide users with safe, efficient and ergonomic lift trucks that lower total cost of ownership and maximize uptime. Headquartered in New Bremen, Ohio, Crown lift trucks are manufactured and sold throughout the world.

About IDEA, Industrial Designers and IDSA

The IDEA program fosters business and public understanding about the impact of industrial design excellence on the quality of life and the economy.  IDSA is the voice of industrial design, committed to advancing the profession through education, information, community and advocacy.