A BOLTON manufacturer has become the first English person to receive an internationally renowned Australian engineering award.

Lyn Bates, managing director of Ajax Equipment, in Mule Street, Bolton, is the first non-Australian to be awarded the prestigious 2004 Bulk Solids Handling Award by the Australian Institution of Engineers for his "outstanding contribution to bulk solids handling".

Announcing the award during the recent International Conference on Bulk Solids Handling in Wollongong, Australia, Mark Jones, the head of the Key Centre for Bulk Solids and Particulate Technologies in Newcastle, New South Wales, praised the many activities and contributions that Lyn has made in the field.

Founded in 1969 by Lyn Bates and Bill Waters, Ajax Equipment is a solids handling company supplying businesses in the UK and globally in industries as diverse as pharmaceutical, food and confectionery production to plastics, mineral and chemical processing, waste and sewage handling.

Over the past 35 years, Mr Bates has also been involved with international consulting projects, securing various patents for powder processing and innovative developments, advising as an expert witness and designing various powder test devices.

"I am delighted to receive the award," he said. "Bulks solids handling technology is very under-rated in relation to its importance in industry. Anything that brings the benefits to be gained from this activity to the attention of the academic and industrial world is to be applauded. It is the cornerstone of Ajax's successful service to industry.