Crown Equipment Corporation through the company’s annual Summit Awards programs has recognized eight distributors from throughout the United States for their excellent performances in 2001.

The fifth largest manufacturer of lift trucks in the world, Crown manufactures a wide range of electric lift trucks, well known for their design and manufacturing qualities. Products manufactured by Crown, with corporate headquarters in New
Bremen, Ohio, have earned more than 40 design awards for product excellence.

The eight distributors were selected from the Crown Distribution Network, comprised of 27 Crown-owned distributors and approximately 60 independent distributors located in key markets throughout the country.

"Considering 2001’s tough market conditions, these distributors deserve congratulations for their outstanding work,” says Crown Senior Vice President Jim Moran. “They truly represent the best of the best.”

The companies were honored at a national awards ceremony April 29 at Disney’s Yacht Club in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.

Crown Lift Trucks, Dayton, and OKI Systems, Ltd., Cincinnati, were named the top Crown and independent distributor respectively for 2001, earning the James F. Dicke Pioneer Award, named after the company’s founder and chairman. Under the guidance of General Manager – Dayton Operations Tom Kinsella, Crown Dayton has received the prestigous honor six consecutive years. OKI also received the award in 1996.

Three other distributors also received Summit Awards, symbolic of top achievement. First time winners were Sooner Lift, Inc., Oklahoma City, and Crown Lift Trucks, Charlotte. Earning their third Summit Award in four years was Action Lift, Wilkes- Barre, PA.

Three distributors, Crown Lift Trucks, Fort Wayne, Lift Power, Inc., Jacksonville, and Lift Stak & Stor, Minneapolis-St. Paul, were recipients of the Ascent Award, indicating a high level of performance, but not at the same level as the Summit. Lift Stak & Stor has earned recognition every year since the program began in
1995.