More than 400 industry professionals gathered on 17 March 2016 in Madrid, Spain to recognise and honour the winners of the International Awards for Powered Access (IAPAs).
Jointly organised by Access International and IPAF, the IAPAs celebrate best practice and excellence in the powered access industry.
The next IPAF Summit and IAPAs will be held on 4 April 2017 at the Hilton Hotel, Wembley, London, UK.
The 2016 IAPA winners, and the comments from the judges, are:
IAPA Innovative Technology Prize
France Elevateur, France, for the 172 ATBI platform
“This product solves a significantly risky problem. This company saw danger and fixed that danger.”
IPAF/Access International Lifetime Achievement Award
Art Moore, USA, founder of Snorkel
Art Moore began his career in 1949, partnering Ray Pitman to set up the Pitman Manufacturing Company. They developed the Hydra-Lift and eventually an industrial truck-mounted aerial platform that became Chicago’s leading fire truck. In 1959, Moore founded the Snorkel Company, introducing a revolutionary firefighting and rescue machine. In 1977, he led the development of the Snorkelift aerial work platform. During the 1980s, Snorkel became a leader in the AWP market. Moore has since sold Snorkel and he retired in 1991, but remains on the board of directors at Snorkel.
Access Rental Company of the Year
Nationwide Platforms, UK
“This company’s health and safety initiatives, apprenticeship schemes and charity projects set the standard for rental companies around the world.”
Powered Access Pioneer
Genie, USA
“Innovation in the access industry is one thing; this company has demonstrated that it is possible to continue doing that for 50 years.”
Contribution to Safe Working at Height
AFI, UK
“Investment in safety has brought a range of outstanding schemes, and its new video offering could be the best ever in the industry’s history.”
Product of the Year – Mast climbing work platforms/hoists
XL Group, France, for the XMH multimast platform
“This company demonstrated world-class problem solving to create this special multi-platform system.”
Product of the Year – Self-propelled above 20ft/6.1m
Almac, Italy, for the BIBI 850-BL
“This is a truly innovative product, providing a solution for a longstanding requirement in the market.”
Product of the Year – Self-propelled below 20ft/6.1m
Haulotte, France, for the STAR 6
“This is an excellent product, with a number of great features that provide common sense solutions to workplace problems.”
Product of the Year – Vehicle/trailer-mounted
Time Versalift, Denmark, for the LAT-38-135-H
“A combination of design and functionality make this a standout winner.”
Project of the Year
Hydro Mobile, Canada, for the new FAA Control Tower at Tucson Airport, Arizona, USA
“The winner was able to cater for a very difficult situation in a number of ways, including a dynamic solution at the top of the tower.”
IPAF Training Centre of the Year
Maltech, Switzerland
“This company has made great progress in its own country over recent years and in 2015, and continues to do so."
IPAF Instructor of the Year
José Ramón Etxebarria Urrutia, P&M 2000, Spain
“With a strong background in training, this individual is showing how it is possible for one person to help drive the industry forward."
Access Photograph of the Year (sponsored by Facelift)
Trevor Chapman, UK, for Castlecary Viaduct, Glasgow (submitted by Nationwide Platforms)
“As part of a £742 million project to electrify the Edinburgh to Glasgow train line, four truck-mounted platforms were used to allow engineers access to the exterior and underside of the viaduct in order to carry out vital masonry, steelwork and trackside parapet maintenance and repairs. As the job required the closure of the M80 motorway, it was carried out during the night to minimise disruption. A great example of MEWPs in action.”
The independent and impartial judging panel spent a full day considering the more than 100 entries received. The judges made their decisions based on the merit of each entry and were excluded from entering their company for any awards.
The 2016 IAPA judges were:
• Mark Atkinson, health & safety manager, Clugston Construction, UK
• Shawn Ong, COO, Galmon, Singapore
• Ivan Papell, managing director and owner, Liftisa, Spain
• Martin Vögtli, CEO, SkyAccess, Switzerland
• Andy Studdert, IPAF president, and chairman & CEO, NES Rentals, USA
• Non-voting chairman of the judges: Euan Youdale, editor, Access International
More event details are at www.iapa-summit.info
About IPAF:
IPAF is a not-for-profit members’ organisation that promotes the safe and effective use of powered access equipment worldwide. Members include rental companies, manufacturers, distributors and equipment owners. More information is at www.ipaf.org
