Lift trucks: Industrial Truck Association honors Stan Simpson with a special industry award

The Industrial Truck Association (ITA) has recognized long-time industry professional Stan Simpson with a special award at its annual meeting held earlier this week in San Diego. With more than 165 industry professionals in attendance, the ITA recognized Simpson “for his assistance in guiding the efforts of the industry in the development of technical positions for the industry to assert with it international counterparts,” according to the inscription on the plaque.

Over the years, Simpson has chaired the ITA General Engineering Committee (GEC) numerous times and was ITA’s 2008-2009 president. He was chairman of the B56 safety committee and instrumental in helping to forge a close working relationship between the association and its sister groups worldwide.

In presenting the award, Jeff Rufener, ITA president and vice president of marketing for Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift America in Houston, said, “When we started to hear about ISO 3691 and its eight parts, we were certain that the 55 sticking points evident at the time would be almost impossible to resolve. Well, thanks to Stan, it’s clear now that we were too pessimistic. It is true that a few sticking points did become stumbling blocks, but now we can at least count them on one hand. Stan always saw commonality of interests where many saw only differences and, thanks to his efforts, we are moving ever closer to a global standard that will ultimately result in more sales and profits for all of us.”

Rufener also noted Simpson’s innovative side: “Stan designed and patented the first multi-functional control handles for load-sensing hydraulics. He also pioneered the use of telescopic handlers. He single-handedly supplied the military with the most innovative product in the industry of materials handling and led dozens and dozens of efforts to test the safety of products supplied to the United States armed forces and many NATO countries. Our troops are better equipped, thanks to Stan.”

Simpson’s name is on every major initiative that the association has undertaken in the past decade, Rufener said, citing the Industrial Truck Standards Development Foundation (ITSDF) as a leading example. “When the American Society of Mechanical Engineers announced that it would no longer manage the B56 series of standards, Stan stepped up and convinced the ITA board to establish and fund ITSDF. To date, approximately 48,000 copies of the standards have been distributed free of charge to anyone seeking the latest technical specifications.”

Simpson led ITA discussions with the Federation of European Material Handling Association regarding the elimination of tariffs and duties on U.S. products exported to the European Union. “Stan was ITA’s leading diplomat in this important endeavor that continues on today,” Rufener said.

Currently, Simpson is CEO of Stan Simpson, LLC in Cibolo, Texas, which offers program management, government contract oversight and consulting services.