The first Scottish winner of a major materials handling award has been recognised.

The Fork Lift Truck Association's (FLTA) highest honour was made at this year's Annual Awards for Excellence, and left the winner, Douglas Gillespie stunned.

Commenting on the industry accolade, the Founder and Managing Director of Scotland's premier forklift dealer, Douglas Gillespie Plant, said: "It's a wonderful surprise, and a credit to the success of our team."

Having joined the FLTA in 1972, founding member Douglas became only the ninth recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award in the prestigious event's history, as well as the first ever Scottish recipient.

FLTA President Paul Nichol who presented the award, (and pictured here with Douglas) revealed that Mr Gillespie's nomination had attracted an "unprecedented raft of supporting letters".


"His customers emphasised our winner's integrity, his fairness and his passionate commitment to customer service.

"His employees highlighted his support and genuine care, inspiring loyalty and excellence in equal measure.

"The company that bears his name remains one of the most successful and highly regarded fork lift companies in Scotland, if not the whole UK," he said.

The presentation took place at a glittering awards ceremony at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole hotel, in front of a large audience, including the materials handling industry's leading figures.

When Douglas commenced operations in East Kilbride, Glasgow, in 1968, his company had just two employees and six forklift trucks.

Today, the family firm occupies three acres of custom-built premises in Glasgow's Darnley Industrial Estate, employs over 30 staff and maintains a rental fleet of more than 600 forklift trucks and sideloaders, servicing customers nationwide.

Douglas has championed contract hire in the UK and pioneered mobile tyre facilities.

The Mitsubishi dealer was also one of the very first companies to be accredited by CFTS to offer Thorough Examinations in Scotland.

Hearing the news, Mike Jones, General Manager of Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks UK, said: "I'm delighted to hear of Douglas' well-deserved award.

"A friendly, personal approach and a genuine commitment to customer care is something we expect from every dealer in the Mitsubishi network.

"Douglas and his team at DGP stand as a shining example of what that means."

See: www.douglas-gillespie.co.uk

(BMcC/KMcA)