Modern's annual Productivity Achievement Awards honor companies that have made outstanding strides in improving operations through materials handling and related information systems. Modern's editorial advisory board chose this year's winners from a dozen candidates.

Companies were judged for their ability to deliver top-level customer service, respond rapidly to changing conditions, deliver orders that meet customer requirements, and improve operations. In addition, the innovation award celebrates a facility that employed a solution that defies convention. The Modern Thinker celebrates an individual who puts materials handling in a broader business context.

This year's winners are:

Warehousing/Distribution: IKEA 

Manufacturing: Detroit Diesel

Innovation: Chrysler 

Modern Thinker: Leo Plonsky