The OPB20NE low level order picker – introduced by Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks last year – has been awarded the UK materials handling industry’s highest accolade: an FLTA ‘Archie’.

The award, in the highly competitive Ergonomics category, was presented by the Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA) – the UK’s leading authority on fork lift trucks – at the organisation’s Annual Awards for Excellence event, held in February 2010.

The FLTA Technical Committee was particularly impressed by the truck’s large, uncluttered working space, and the internationally recognised prize rewarded the manufacturer’s ‘ErgoCentric’ approach to operator efficiency, comfort and protection.

By relocating the OPB20NE’s battery behind the operator’s compartment, designers at Mitsubishi increased the platform size by 40% – making it the largest in the industry. The result is exceptionally easy on-off access with sufficient space to walk straight through – without turning – whilst carrying a load.

The new platform has chamfered edges and a high-friction surface to avoid trips and slips. Its whole surface acts as a ‘dead man’s pedal’, allowing movement as soon as the operator steps on board – wherever he or she chooses to stand.

Driven via the Formula 1 styled Maxius steering wheel and control unit, the OPB20NE delivers 24 per cent higher productivity than its rivals.

This year’s Archie statuette will sit alongside the manufacturer’s other awards for its comprehensive range of counterbalance and warehouse trucks, which include four previous FLTA Awards for Excellence in the Ergonomics, Environment and Innovation categories.