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Tag: forklifts

D’Ieteren acquires 40% of TVH Parts

Posted on by David Priestman

Parts specialist TVH, a global player in the field of spare parts and accessories for lift trucks, industrial vehicles, construction and agricultural machinery, has found a partner in D’Ieteren Group.

In October 2020, it was announced that TVH Parts was looking for a strong minority shareholder who is aligned with both the long-term vision and the culture of TVH Parts. That partner was now found in D’Ieteren Group. The shares concerned are the 40% of shares that were held by the Vanhalst family. The remaining 60% of the shares remain in the hands of the Thermote family.

D’Ieteren Group is a listed company and already comprises 4 activities: D’Ieteren Automotive, Belron (Carglass), Moleskine and D’Ieteren Immo.

Like TVH Parts, D’Ieteren Group is a family business with a long, successful history and clear Belgian roots, for whom the development and well-being of the employees is a priority. The company firmly believes in the importance of sustainable business and long-term growth. In addition to these similarities, D’Ieteren Group originated from the automotive industry, which is of course related to the activities of TVH Parts.

Dominiek Valcke, CEO of TVH Parts, said: “I’m happy and honoured that TVH Parts can partner with D’Ieteren Group. In the last months and weeks, we enjoyed the constructive discussions and open dialogues with the management and founding families of the group. We truly believe that their values and their aspiration on seeking long-term growth are aligned with those of TVH Parts. Together we can continue to work successfully together on our mission to keep our customers and employees going and growing.”

Francis Deprez, CEO D’Ieteren Group, added: “I’m very proud to announce the acquisition of the shares of TVH Parts. TVH Parts is a global leader in the growing and resilient business of machinery spare parts, whose purpose and values perfectly match our own. As with all our activities, D’Ieteren Group is convinced to support TVH Parts in its long-term development.”

A statement from the Thermote family read: “We are very grateful for having partnered with the Vanhalst family for the last 50 years and we are proud of what we have built together. In D’Ieteren we have found a long-term partner with a strong family history and with whom we feel a cultural fit. We are looking forward for the next 50 years of sustainable growth together.”

Nicolas D’Ieteren, Chairman of the Board of Directors of D’Ieteren Group, concluded: ”I warmly applaud this new partnership between the Thermote and D’Ieteren families. This acquisition is a new milestone in the long history of our Group, which illustrates our ambition to create value, through supporting innovative organisations driving change in their sector. We look forward to working with the people that make TVH Parts so unique and to draw together the promising future of the aftermarket parts business.”

Completion of the transaction is expected in Q4/2021.

 

STILL secures 10th IFOY Award

Posted on by David Priestman

Numerous IFOY awards in the past are proof that STILL offers particularly efficient and robust industrial trucks and intralogistics solutions. This year, the Hamburg-based manufacturer once again impressed as a system provider in the international competition.

For the implementation of the new production warehouse of Danfoss Power Electronics in Tinglev, Denmark, the logistics provider received the coveted IFOY award in the category “Integrated Warehouse Solution”. This is the 10th time that STILL has won the title in different categories.

“The Danfoss project is an impressive example of how automated warehouses will be controlled, monitored and analysed in the future,” was the unanimous verdict of the international jury of experts. The implemented overall system contains known logistical components that are particularly forward-looking in their interaction – i.e., communication via interfaces for safety, function and optimisation using deep learning methods. The functionality of the real automated warehouse seems “exemplary” according to the jury’s verdict.

Cloud-based storage of real operational data

For the new Danfoss warehouse, STILL supplied a perfectly coordinated combination of three automated series industrial trucks (MX-X and EXV), including the installation of all system components. For end-to-end automation of the material flow, the series trucks are equipped with the iGo systems automation kit.

Identical components, controls and interfaces create powerful AGVs. These AGVs are controlled and monitored by a transport and traffic management system. Transport orders are generated by the WMS in the SAP host and transferred to the control system. This permanently generates vast amounts of valuable data, which is used to carry out a precise analysis of the automated warehouse in a cloud.

iGo insights

This data is evaluated with iGo insights – a tool that filters correlations from the wealth of process information in the cloud and provides specific recommendations for action. According to the IFOY jury, it is this analysis tool in particular that provides “further outstanding customer benefits”. In addition to technical problems with individual industrial trucks, it can also identify optimisation potential for the entire system, such as “bottlenecks”.

To do this, iGo insights uses the principle of machine learning. All data collected by the control system over a longer period of time is uploaded to the cloud for evaluation. The AI-supported software recognises structures in the data progression, calculates probabilities and thus enables proactive action.

Years of experience and research

Frank Müller, Senior Vice President Brand Management/Sales & Service Steering STILL EMEA, accepted the IFOY Award in Dortmund. According to him, the award is a well-deserved reward for the expertise in the field of automation that has been systematically built up over many years and for his company’s involvement in numerous international research projects.

Müller said: “Especially in the project that was now awarded the IFOY Award, we were able to bring in and apply the practical experience we gained from numerous automation projects realised in the past. This approach gives us a clear lead in know-how over our market competitors, which we pass on for the benefit of our customers.”

Benchmark project

The STILL iGo automated warehouse in Tinglev meanwhile has proven its worth. An initial analysis by the operator showed a cost saving of around 20%. In view of these figures, this warehouse is becoming a benchmark project: Danfoss is currently building a modern distribution centre in Rødekro using the same technology from STILL. It is designed for the automatic operation of 15 MX-X narrow-aisle trucks and 5 EXV high-lift pallet trucks.

New Tonero surpasses Stage V regulations 

Posted on by David Priestman

Toyota Material Handling Europe has optimised its engine counterbalanced truck range designed for productivity, efficiency and the environment. The Tonero Stage V includes Toyota’s leanest industrial engines, designed and produced in-house, optimising performance and driveability. The new models deliver lower fuel consumption, less maintenance but most importantly cleaner operations.

The new Toyota Tonero Stage V range is energy-efficient and much cleaner than required by the latest European Union exhaust emission regulation, while also providing a number of benefits for engine counterbalanced truck users. The trucks are equipped with a Toyota in-house industrial engine that is robust, reliable and easy to service, reducing fuel consumption and maintenance costs.

“Our latest engine counterbalanced truck, the Tonero Stage V, combines Toyota innovation and quality, which dramatically reduces emissions, resulting in a cleaner environment and air,” says Paul Van De Sype, Product Manager IC counterbalanced trucks at Toyota Material Handling Europe.

The new counterweight design has been reviewed and improved throughout the range. This offers ease of access for service, saving time and resulting in increased productivity, further adding to a reduced overall cost of ownership. The appearance has been changed as well for the range of 1.5 to 3.5t for increased consistency within the IC CB family.

Surpassing Stage V regulations

Stage V, the European emission regulation, aims at reducing emissions from combustion engines, only allowing for engines with a lower exhaust. Toyota Material Handling strives to guide their customers in these changing times and commits to provide cleaner and leaner solutions with a high-quality level of performance. The Tonero range meets customers’ specific operational needs while minimising emission levels, environmental impacts, and total cost of ownership.

Therefore, the most recent engine counterbalanced models from Toyota have been optimised, including the leanest industrial engines for diesel and LPG, in line with the latest EU emissions regulations. Toyota’s massive unique selling point lies in the fact that all engines are designed and produced in-house.

The Tonero range can be used in every customer application. The Toyota CB IC offer goes from 1.5t all the way to 8t – to support customers from light to intense operations, inside or outside. Up to 3.5 tonnes capacity, customers have the choice between a Tonero with hydrodynamic drive or hydrostatic drive .

Toyota lean industrial engines

The core of the Tonero’s lean power lies in the models’ engines: Toyota applied the principle of Kaizen (continuous improvement) to offer lean engines for both gas and diesel vehicles. The new Tonero models include clean, safe and reliable in-house Toyota engines, surpassing the  European Stage V regulations. Customers have a wide choice of models to choose from, whether it’s diesel or gas.

Our torque convertor range, offering the hydrodynamic drive, is available up to 8 tonnes, both in diesel and LPG version.  Diesel is available on entry models 1.5 to 1.8t  equipped with the reliable 1DZIII engine. As from 2t up to 8t, customers are offered 3 and 4-cylinder ultra-clean and highly fuel-efficient common rail engines. Both include a diesel particulate filter (DPF) for cleaner operations and deliver high power and torque at low engine speeds, ensuring long lifetime and reliability in all applications.

The hydrostatic transmission range offering hydrostatic drive is available in diesel version, equipped with the high-power 3-cylinder 1ZS diesel engine (2.0-3.5t) and available in LPG version (1.5-3.5t). New Toyota-developed software for the full range and additional technologies delivers optimised driveability and productivity in combination with stronger braking ability.

Toyota always strives to offer products with added value as well as helping customers by saving on costs. With this in mind, service intervals on the latest Toyota engines have been increased significantly, reducing costs for service.

Driver safety & comfort

Operators can benefit from a new ergonomic dashboard featuring a new display, easy and intuitive thanks to the controls now all integrated in one place. Indicators for hydraulic oil, wheel position, mast tilt, diesel particulate filter (DPF), driving direction, time and fuel consumption overview are part of the new features included on the display, all contributing to increased productivity and saving costs. A safe workplace is guaranteed thanks to the pre-operational check and speed setting.

The new Toyota front and rear combi LED lights improve drivers’ visibility, for even safer handling. The long lifetime and energy efficiency of LED lights deliver significant fuel and service cost savings, increasing availability and productivity.

For ultimate driver comfort and driving dynamics, the Toyota Tonero with hydrostatic drive is the answer. The models from 2t onwards feature a full floating driver compartment which create an optimal ergonomic working environment.

STILL adds NXV narrow aisle truck to range

Posted on by David Priestman

The new STILL NXV guarantees convenient, safe, and fast warehouse processes. The narrow aisle truck (man-down) is particularly effective in high and narrow warehouse aisles. At storage heights of up to 13.8 metres, the active load stabilisation, and the fork camera help to prevent damage to the racking. In addition, a positioning aid provides extra safety and speed when picking up load carriers.

The new vehicle passed its first practical test in a field study at Bad Heilbrunner GmbH & Co. KG with flying colours. The manufacturer of herbal medicinal teas from Upper Bavaria was so impressed by the new truck that they immediately ordered an NXV.

The test drivers were particularly satisfied with the ergonomic components of the truck. Numerous details, such as the ergonomic driver’s seat with optional tilt technology, the proportional seat and footplate adjustment or the possibility of adapting all operating elements to the driver’s ergonomics, not only make the vehicle particularly comfortable, but also ensure a very good view of the fork tips.

In combination with the Joystick 4Plus, the truck can be operated very smoothly, which leads to a significant increase in turnover.

Camera and positioning aids for more safety

In picking up load carriers, the new cross line laser facilitates the safe and quick positioning of the forks at the right height and in the middle of the load carrier. The camera mounted on the inside of the forks with image transmission to the driver’s monitor provides optimum visibility when picking up the load. In combination with the active load stabilisation, collision damage, breakage of goods and personal injury caused by falling loads are effectively avoided even at great heights.

An optional position laser on the mast supports the horizontal approach to the correct rack position. When the laser pointer aligns with the corresponding mark on the racking, the correct approach position has been reached. With the help of the fork camera, the load is lifted to the correct lifting height quickly and easily.

Variable load pick-up due to turret head fork

The NXV’s turret head fork is suitable for picking up almost any pallet and enables the transfer of load carriers to a conveyor system. Due to the very small dimensions of the pivoting and turnable turret head fork, almost any space in the high-bay warehouse can be optimally used. Pallets can be picked up smoothly and quietly to the right and left of the aisle without having to turn the NXV.

Together with the active load stabilisation, the turret head mechanism makes storage and retrieval more comfortable, faster, and more precise. Another noticeable improvement is the automatic fork cycle, i.e. the automatic extension, lowering and retraction of the turret head fork at the touch of a button.

Semi-automatic shelf approach possible

However, the technical capabilities of the NXV are only fully exploited with the OPTISPEED vehicle concept or the iGo pilot navigation interface. With this, the NXV communicates with the warehouse management system and connects the processes in the warehouse into an intelligent whole.

When the driver receives a transport order, the vehicle knows the next storage location in the high rack to approach. The forklift truck thus independently finds its way through the warehouse aisles. This eliminates the possibility of incorrect retrievals.

Lithium-ion technology for increased availability

The NXV is an efficient and compact bundle of energy that also boasts high availability thanks to Li-Ion technology. As there are no more battery changes and intermediate charging is possible with very short charging times – wherever there are power sockets – flexible use is guaranteed.

In combination with the long service life of the maintenance-free Li-Ion battery, operating costs and CO2 emissions are reduced. In addition, the high vehicle availability is also increased by the – compared to lead-acid batteries – larger battery capacity.

Adapting forklift trucks to customer needs

No two high bay warehouses are alike, as we all know. So, it makes sense to adapt forklift trucks to the customer’s needs – to the loads to be transported, for example, or to the possible growth of the company. Thanks to their modular design, STILL narrow-aisle trucks can be configured specifically to meet the operator’s needs.

Different battery compartments, masts or telescopic and turret head forks are used. This also applies to the new NXV. Due to its scalable dimensions, it can be used very flexibly even in the tightest spaces with loads of up to 1.5 tonnes.

Ignoring corporate sustainability “not an option”

Posted on by David Priestman

Any logistics services provider or online fulfilment company that is perceived to be merely paying lip service to ‘green’ issues or is inactive when it comes to corporate sustainability strategy, not only risks seriously undermining its own brand and reputation – but also those of its clients.

That is the warning from Paul Mulcahy, Toyota Material Handling UK’s Quality, Health and Safety and Environment (QHSE) manager.

“There was a time when it was dismissed by sections of the business community as ‘just another fad,’ but corporate sustainability is now seen as deeply intrinsic to the success of any modern company,” says Mulcahy.

He continues: “Sustainable practices have emerged as a strategic imperative and many companies – particularly retailers and online traders – are using sustainability to increase customer loyalty.

“Consumers increasingly show a preference for brands and products with authentic sustainability stories. As a result, today’s multi-channel retailers need to be able to demonstrate a genuine commitment to sustainable goals and they expect their logistics services providers or online fulfilment partners to be in a position to do the same.

“Of course, this is having a knock-on effect on materials handling equipment (MHE) companies too, because logistics and fulfilment operations obviously prefer to work with suppliers of forklift trucks and other types of MHE that are as serious as they are about sustainability – and not just treating the issue as another marketing veneer.

“For example it would be difficult for Toyota to provide forklift fleets to the UK’s biggest supermarket retailers or an organisation such as Amazon, if we didn’t have robust sustainability strategies in place.

“Companies only want to deal with businesses that share their values and this attitude is passing down through the supply chain. Ultimately, everyone – from the biggest retailer or manufacturer to their smallest supplier – will have to focus on its responsibility to operate sustainably.”

More than just ‘green’

Contrary to popular belief, there is more to a corporate sustainability strategy than simply being ‘green’, as Mulcahy explains.

“Ask a room full of people from the business community what ‘corporate sustainability’ means to them and the chances are most will immediately mention environmental issues. But environmentalism isn’t the whole story.

“When adopting a corporate sustainability strategy, businesses also have to consider their social, economic and cultural impact. In other words, a sustainable company will engage in business practices that are good for people as well as the environment.”

Sustainability has been high on Toyota’s agenda for many years and every 12 months, Toyota Material Handling UK undergoes an assessment by EcoVadis, the leading sustainability rating company. The assessment focuses on the company’s commitment not only to the environment, but also to labour issues and human rights, sustainable procurement and ethics.

In November 2020 Toyota was granted an EcoVadis Platinum award. The highest possible score, the award ranks the company within the top 1% of the 61,000+ organisations around the world that undergo the EcoVadis programme.

“Receiving an EcoVadis Platinum award enables us to build trust with our customers, suppliers and other stakeholders, and encourages all of us within Toyota Material Handling UK to continue integrating sustainability into the way that we work,” says Mulcahy.

As part of its ongoing commitment to seek out new sustainable initiatives, Toyota Material Handling UK has recently established a sustainability group comprising team members with widely varying roles from across the company. The group’s job is to identify ways that Toyota can contribute more to society and its local communities.

“Adopting even seemingly insignificant sustainable practices can have a major impact in the long term, so nothing will be overlooked. After all, it is said that If every office worker in the UK used one less staple a day, 120 tonnes of steel would be saved in a single year!” adds Mulcahy.

Improved storage density for auto parts distributor

Posted on by David Priestman

A fleet of Aisle Master articulated forklifts have led to improved storage density for Welsh Land Rover spares distributor Bearmach.

From its base in Caerphilly, Wales, long-standing Gwent Mechanical Handling customer Bearmach is a worldwide distributor of OEM and aftermarket parts and accessories suitable for Land Rover vehicles. Established over 60 years ago, the current 130-strong team also ships merchandise, books and technical manuals to the global Land Rover community.

To ensure the seamless and efficient relocation and replenishment of stock between its two warehouses, which together have a footprint of almost 100,000 sq m, Bearmach now operates a fleet of Aisle Master articulated forklifts from the Irish manufacturer Combilift.

Before the first Aisle Master was operational, Bearmach used a combination of forklifts, mainly counterbalance models, some of which could only operate in certain areas due to their various sizes as well as the disparity of aisle widths across the storage facilities.

Steve Jones, Sales Director of Gwent Mechanical Handling, advised that overall efficiency could be much improved by using trucks capable of working in narrower, standardised aisles. Two articulated brands were brought in for a demo, and the Aisle Master proved to be the drivers’ preferred choice when it came to issues such as the in-cab ergonomics.

Four more Aisle Masters followed over the years, which has enabled Bearmach to streamline handling procedures and keep up with growth fuelled by increased internet sales activities. At one point the company thought it would have to relocate as space was getting ever tighter, but the trucks’ narrow aisle capability enabled previous aisle widths of around 3.2m to be cut to just 2m, adding an extra 1,000 pallet locations.

Steve Jones: “Gwent Mechanical Handling has over 30 years of unrivalled expertise and experience in the most efficient use of available space, and as was the case with Bearmach, a number of our customers have been able to avoid the potential disruption and expense of purchasing additional warehouse space.”

The electric Aisle Master 20SE models with a 2,000kg capacity, 1030mm-wide chassis and a lift height of 6m, travel between the two warehouses, relocating stock in euro and standard pallets from one location to another, replenishing minimum or zero stock as well as moving stock to bulk locations. At the moment they work mainly indoors, but as they are specifically designed to be all-purpose trucks, Steve Jones is planning to recommend that they replace the counterbalance trucks that are currently used for yard work when these come to the end of their operational life. “An Aisle Master can do everything that a counterbalance truck can do, but that is not the case the other way round,” he points out.

According to Andy Taylor, Operations Manager at Bearmach, the Aisle Masters have massively improved operations over time, also due to their speed of operation, extreme reliability and minimal downtime. Driver satisfaction and safety is also of vital importance and the original driver preference has proved to be a sound decision. “Operator feedback has always been positive, the trucks are easy to manoeuvre within the narrower aisles, and the height of the cab offers 360-degree visibility for good awareness of the surroundings.”

“We look after the welfare of the trucks, with checks after every 500 hours, and offer a same day service if required,” said Steve Jones. “We have enjoyed a great working relationship with Bearmach over the years and are pleased that we could help them consolidate their operations so successfully.”

Hyster-Yale expands Northern Ireland plant

Posted on by David Priestman

In 2021, the Hyster-Yale Group proudly celebrates 40 years of manufacturing lift trucks at its plant in Northern Ireland as it announces the expansion of its Craigavon site.

The facility, which was officially opened on 7th April 1981, was built and equipped with the most up-to-date robot systems and equipment. Over the years the plant has grown to be the largest-volume forklift plant in the UK, manufacturing thousands of electric, diesel, and LPG forklifts each year for export throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

The site, around 30 miles from Belfast, employs hundreds of people from the local area, which the company credits as key to its success story. This year, five team members will also celebrate the milestone of 40 years with the company, while more than 100 current employees at the site have 30 years or more of service.

“The success of our plant at Craigavon is driven by our people, where we see incredible dedication, perseverance, and loyalty from the team at all levels, with an average length of service of 17 years,” says Jim Downey, Plant Manager for Hyster-Yale Group EMEA in Craigavon. “Over the last four decades, our people have worked together to conquer challenges, embrace new opportunities, and maintain forward momentum, and that is why our facility continues to succeed, evolve, and grow.”

Transformation remains key to the Craigavon facility, where expansion of the 500,000 sq ft site is currently in progress, in preparation for future manufacturing demands and product lines. The company has invested millions over the past two years developing the factory, which incorporates leading technologies and up-to-date automated systems. The extension will also create dozens of new jobs, including continued investment in apprenticeships.

“We have great confidence in the talent pool in Northern Ireland and are fortunate to have so many long-standing employees that bring with them significant expertise, including many of our management team who started their careers here on the shop floor,” says Downey. “However, at the same time, we are keen to optimise our operations with automation and new ways of working that best support our workforce and deliver the quality our customers need.”

Quality is key to the facility at Craigavon, which has been the recipient of numerous awards throughout its history. Among the team’s achievements is ISO 50001 certification for its commitment to energy efficiency, and sustainability continues to be a key driver for the company during its latest site expansion.

The new 60,000 sq ft. extension to the factory will be known as the Sands Building, in honour of Harry Sands, former Senior VP and Managing Director, EMEA, for Hyster-Yale Group based in Craigavon, who retired in 2020 after 40 years with the company. It has been built with environmental specifications and ambitious objectives in mind. For instance, it incorporates a completely new approach to lighting which harnesses more natural light, decreasing electricity consumption and reducing CO2 emissions. A biomethane fuelled plant on the site will also be used to provide 80% of the electrical power required, with the heat by-product also used on site.

In line with the Hyster-Yale Group 2026 Corporate Responsibility Objectives, the site aims to reduce carbon emissions by 30%, in addition to targets for reducing water consumption, waste, and landfill.  Waste to landfill from the facility has already reduced significantly, with 97% now being recycled, and a number of other waste reduction initiatives exist on the site, everywhere from the canteen kitchen to the packaging line.

The Craigavon plant also continues to be committed to biodiversity, encouraging rare wildlife in its grounds as a result. The latest plant extension incorporates a Sustainable Urban Drainage System, which mimics natural drainage and is more environmentally friendly.

“Throughout its 40 years the Craigavon facility has continued to innovate and build capability to be an agile and flexible facility, that is able to meet and exceed customer expectations through automation, people and processes,” says Downey.

“Now is an exciting time as ever, as we adapt our assembly lines, connect with new technologies, and develop our product ranges, laying the foundations for future growth and many more decades of success,” he concludes.

Yale unveils high-performance Li-ion trucks

Posted on by David Priestman

Yale Europe Materials Handling has unveiled the first of a new generation of high-performance electric trucks designed for use in demanding applications.

“At Yale, we are committed to developing industry-leading materials handling equipment that provides excellent productivity, ergonomics and low cost of ownership for our customers. The ERP70-90VNL is the first in a new range of high performing electric trucks for high intensity applications,” said Ivor Wilkinson, Solutions Manager at Yale.

The Yale ERP70-90VNL electric counterbalance truck is powered by a high capacity integrated lithium-ion battery.

Rapid opportunity charging enables the truck to support up to an intensive three-shift operation without a reduction in performance or productivity levels. The truck is able to charge during regular work breaks, eliminating the need for battery exchange. The charging infrastructure can be fitted close to break rooms to maximise the efficiency of customers’ operations, and a full state of charge can be achieved from flat in just 80 minutes.

“Customers in multiple-shift applications can see payback on the initial purchase of lithium-ion trucks in under two years, making the truck a viable option for those seeking low cost of ownership,” said Ivor.

A Yale lithium-ion battery can provide four times the delivered energy of a lead acid battery before replacement.

The high levels of throughput of the ERP70-90VNL in multiple shift applications make it ideal for customers in the paper, wood and metal industries who require a truck capable of handling large loads while performing reliably and consistently.

“We have an extensive range of front-end options that can be fitted to the ERP70-90VNL, enabling it to work with brick and block, engineered timber, construction materials and metals,” explained Ivor.

Yale Continuous Stability Enhancement enables the ERP70-80VNL counterbalance truck to travel over uneven surfaces, supporting the smooth transition between indoor and outdoor operation. It also enjoys superior controllability, resulting in precise handling and a class-leading turn radius.

The design of the mast provides the operator with excellent visibility through the mast, enhancing confidence during transport and lifting of loads.

“The lift and drive systems are fully independent from one another, so there is no drop in performance when a simultaneous lifting and moving operation is carried out,” said Ivor.

Operators of the ERP70-90VNL can enjoy excellent ergonomics including unobstructed floor space in the cabin, a highly adjustable steering column and an optimally positioned seat with integrated armrest.

“For customers looking for sustainable options for their fleet, the ERP70-90VNL offers a viable choice in terms of performance, convenience, cost of ownership and zero emissions. These industries may never have considered battery-powered equipment, thinking it would be unable to deliver high levels of productivity, but with rapid opportunity charging of the battery enables, the ERP70- 90VNL can perform up to three shifts a day without compromising its productivity. This is a truck customers can place their trust in – even in the most demanding of applications,” concluded Ivor.

Toyota uses 100% renewable electricity

Posted on by David Priestman

In the run-up to World Environment Day on Saturday 5th June, Toyota Material Handling Europe has confirmed that it uses 100% renewable electricity in its European operations as of 1st April 2021. The switch involves every single one of the organisation’s European entities and represents a significant advancement towards its ambitious sustainability goals. On its own, it achieves 15% of the required progress towards the 2030 target of net zero emissions from operations.

Toyota Material Handling Europe has announced that all its operations across Europe now source 100% of their electricity renewably, with no associated CO2 emissions.

This transition was finalised as of 1st April 2021, but is the result of continuous efforts since 2018, since when Toyota Material Handling Europe has steadily grown its proportion of electricity that comes from renewable sources. It covers all entities and locations: five factories, 21 national sales companies, three head office facilities in Sweden, and several warehouses.

This is the single highest-impact project Toyota Material Handling Europe has completed on its road to net zero emissions so far. When it started tracking sustainability data in 2012, it calculated that CO2 emissions from electricity represented 15% of its total emissions.

“Switching to 100% renewable electricity is a major milestone on our sustainability journey,” said Ernesto Domínguez, President and CEO Toyota Material Handling Europe, speaking ahead of World Environment Day on 5th June. “As well as setting targets for the future, it’s equally important that we take environmental action now. Switching to renewable electricity is a concrete achievement that makes a measurable difference and helps secure our status as the partner of choice for customers who are committed to reaching zero emissions.”

How was the switch achieved?

Renewable electricity is certified through the issue and purchase of Guarantees of Origin (GOs), which track units of energy produced from sustainable sources. Each GO receives a unique number and is then cancelled on a central registry when the corresponding amount of electricity is bought and used – thereby avoiding ‘double counting’ of GOs and ensuring each one makes a real contribution to the renewable energy market.

Toyota Material Handling Europe breaks down its 100% renewable electricity usage into three categories:

  • 95% is obtained by working with local electricity providers through renewable electricity contracts. The providers supply proof that they cancel GOs equivalent to the amount of electricity that is bought.
  • Toyota Material Handling Europe will buy and cancel GOs via brokers separate from electricity providers to account for a residual 4% where local solutions aren’t available.
  • The final 1% of electricity is generated by on-site solar panels at various European facilities.

Sustainable principles in practice

Sustainability is at the heart of Toyota Material Handling Europe’s corporate culture and priorities. Switching to renewable electricity is one of more than 200 projects it is currently investing in to drive energy-efficiency and reduce emissions. Together, these projects have enabled the entire European organisation to reduce its CO2 emissions by 29% since 2012. The energy programme enabled a 10% reduction in energy spend, contributing to both environmental and financial sustainability.

Other major contributing factors include a company programme to achieve ISO 50001 certification in all entities by 2025, and the establishment of the first zero-emissions factory in the sector, which was completed in 2020 a decade ahead of schedule. The facility in Mjölby, Sweden, is powered by renewable electricity, district heating and liquid biogas, making it zero-carbon in terms of both on-site activities and the energy it sources from suppliers. By achieving this, it sets an example of new, future-proofed production systems that make sustainability and commercial growth one and the same.

The next milestones on Toyota Material Handling Europe’s sustainability journey include completing the certification of energy management systems across all entities and working closely with customers and suppliers to support each other in reducing emissions and building net-zero supply chains.  We encourage all our business partners to join Toyota Material Handling Europe in making the switch to 100% renewable electricity.

Hyster reveals Li-ion trucks with electric drivetrain

Posted on by David Priestman

Hyster has announced its 10-18 tonne lift capacity trucks are now available with an electric drivetrain, helping businesses achieve zero-emissions objectives by making the switch to electric forklifts.

The new Hyster J10-18XD lift trucks lift up to 18-tonnes and feature lithium-ion battery packs providing full power and acceleration, comparable to a diesel forklift but with no emissions.

“This is a breakthrough for businesses in heavy industry that are keen to achieve green objectives in factories, warehouses and yards,” says Jan-Willem van den Brand, Director Global Market Development, Big Trucks, for Hyster. “With support from Hyster, the transition to clean electric power is now simpler than ever and comes with no compromise on performance or efficiency.

“Operations undertaking tough tasks in demanding industries, such as those typically found in timber, metals, and construction applications, can rely on these new electric forklifts inside and outside, for ICE-like performance across one, two or three shifts, alongside the convenience of opportunity charging,” van den Brand continues.

The new Big Trucks are also intelligently designed to prevent overheating, uniquely combining liquid cooled motors and inverters with 350V lithium-ion batteries. The high voltage and low current system featured in the new trucks not only greatly reduces heat development, but also incorporates specially designed water-cooled motors and drive controllers to further prevent heat build-up. Battery monitoring systems also help to control under and overcharging.

Whether the trucks are used to unload steel bars from a train, feed concrete moulds into a manufacturing process, or transport wood-based panels through a manufacturing site, the new Hyster electric trucks may provide even better productivity than a diesel alternative. The quiet and comfortable cabin also improves the driver experience, alongside outstanding visibility, ergonomics, and productivity-enhancing features.

“Regardless of if the truck is used for periodic or continuous operation, you can drive these trucks like a diesel,” says van den Brand, explaining that as with an IC-powered Hyster Big Truck, the new electric models provide exceptional traction power, acceleration and drawbar pull.

However, matched with the right application and operating intensity, the Hyster J10-18XD lift trucks may also help operations to reduce the Total Cost of Ownership.

The integrated lithium-ion batteries produce higher performance than lead-acid counterparts and have a longer life cycle, helping to keep costs down. Plus, each truck can be equipped with modular battery packs to store the necessary power required to meet the operational needs. The system is optimally designed for high power opportunity charging, removing the need to swap batteries, so uptime is maximised, and shift changes and breaks become productive. The new truck option requires just 11 minutes of charge for up to one hour of work.

“With less time needed for charging, a wide range of applications can benefit from greater truck availability,” says van den Brand. “Operations with two or three shift operations can easily top up the charge, preventing the need for battery exchange and a separate charging room.  As the battery and electric motor are maintenance free this also helps reduce costs, further contributing to a low Total Cost of Ownership.”

To support businesses in their journey from a diesel to an electric fleet, Hyster works closely with operations to plan the transition, providing options that enable the correct electric lift truck to be configured for differing application needs. The experts at Hyster also advise on the necessary changes to electrical and infrastructure needs, plus a suitable charging strategy and process.  Further support is given through training and servicing throughout the lifetime of the lift truck.

“Green objectives are also important to many businesses, some of which are exploring the implementation of solar panels and other onsite methods of generating electricity. In many countries there are also tax incentives and grants that support companies looking to invest in zero-emissions equipment,” says van den Brand. “These types of applications will find these new trucks an ideal choice when compared to diesel, both environmentally and economically.”

Those switching to lithium-ion forklifts receive the support of their local Hyster dealers. Across the world, they work with each customer to determine the exact requirements for the specific application and configure the battery system to suit the operation.

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