After just having scooped a major prize in the UK - the FLTA 'Ergonomics' award - Crown's new RC 5500 received the honour of the GOOD DESIGN™ Award in the US. Each year, The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design presents this international award to designers and manufacturers for advancing new, visionary and innovative product concepts, invention and originality and for stretching the envelope beyond what is considered basic product and consumer design. With this year’s win, Crown Equipment Corporation products have been designated as GOOD DESIGN seven times over the past 10 years. 

“Crown is honoured to be recognized for its GOOD DESIGN once again. Our team really worked smart to create innovation above and beyond our customers’ expectations. It’s gratifying to know the RC 5500 Series is not only functional, but designated as GOOD DESIGN,” said Vice President – Design Center Mike Gallagher. “We extensively studied and analysed the behaviour of operators including how they got on and off the lift truck and how they manoeuvred around the warehouse managing loads. Thus we know the compartment of the RC 5500 has been designed for comfort and productivity.” 

Crown’s revolutionary design increases productivity by enhancing ergonomics and comfort. The new FlexRide™ suspension reduces shock and vibration by up to three times more than other stand-up counterbalanced lift trucks. FlexRide protects operators from the wear and tear created in a typical dock application, providing a ride comparable to a high-quality automobile.

Crown designers also considered the shape of the power unit as well as the placement of the pillars, mast and overhead guard as opportunities to maximise visibility.  Insetting the right-side wall and offsetting the operator provides the operator with a direct sightline to the front of the truck and its forks.

“Crown designed its RC 5500 Series stand-up counterbalanced truck to maximise productivity and meet application demands with best-in-class features and Crown innovative technology,” said Gallagher. “It recognises Crown’s commitment to innovation and adding value for our customers that means something to them.”

For 2007, the Museum received a record number of submissions from six continents. In addition to Crown Equipment Corporation, other winners include BMW, Apple Computer, Inc, The Bosch Group, Eastman Kodak Company, LG Electronics, Logitech and OXO International.

For more information about the GOOD DESIGN Award and to view a complete list of winners, visit the Museum’s website: www.chi-athenaeum.org