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Tag: Hyster

Logistics Business Magazine, September 2025

Posted on by Will Priestman

The September 2025 issue of Logistics Business magazine is packed with insights into the technologies, strategies and solutions reshaping global supply chains. A strong focus is placed on artificial intelligence and automation, with Samsara showcasing its latest driver safety and fleet optimisation tech from the Beyond event in San Diego. Further AI coverage includes interviews with Coupa’s international head and Transporeon, both exploring how data-driven platforms are transforming spend management and freight visibility.

Supply chain strategy takes centre stage in an exclusive interview with Siemens’ Alexander Tschentscher, who advocates a shift from reactive resilience to strategic robustness. Meanwhile, Ewals Cargo Care shares how its “warehouse on wheels” model and modal shift approach are reducing emissions while expanding operations across Europe. Port innovation is also in the spotlight as PEMA President Achim Dries outlines how ports and terminals are digitising, automating, and gradually weaning off diesel in favour of electrification and smart power management.

Inside the warehouse, automation continues to surge. Hyster discusses its big-truck innovations at TOC Europe, and a new automated distribution centre in Coventry demonstrates what’s possible in modern DC design. Case studies from CLAAS, Axfood, and others show how internal logistics and fulfilment strategies are evolving to meet increasingly complex demands.

Sustainability is another dominant theme throughout this edition. The magazine looks at how plastic pallets, automated packaging and green fuels—such as HVO used by DHL’s Formula 1 fleet—are cutting carbon without compromising performance. E-commerce brands like Bathroom Mountain and major supply chain software providers such as Soloplan and IFS also feature prominently, revealing how automation, AI and smart planning tools are supporting faster, leaner, and more resilient operations.

From warehouse doors to multimodal transport, and from predictive software to people-centric AI, this issue offers a comprehensive and engaging snapshot of the forces shaping logistics in 2025.

Customised Forklifts from 1.6-Tonnes

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Tough Hyster® A-Series forklifts, customisable meet each application’s specific requirements, are available now with 1.6 – 2 tonne lift capacity.

“The Hyster H1.6-2.0A ICE models give customers more opportunities to specify a robust solution that suits the operators, the operation, and its budget,” says Eva Nachtergaele, Regional Product Manager, from Hyster. “The Hyster A-Series is designed to help businesses tackle their differing handling needs, while achieving high performance and a low Total Cost of Ownership. We describe these trucks as ‘Distinctly Hyster, Built For You’ as they include A+ Logic, a way to customise the truck with the features you need, right from the outset.”

The Hyster H1.6-2.0A lift trucks replace the current Hyster H1.6/1.8/2.0FT(S) forklift models. They -extend the range of lift trucks available in the Hyster A Series, which also includes ICE lift trucks with capacities from 2 to 3.5 tonnes. The H1.6-2.0A models share several components and options with the H2.0-3.5A range, delivering many of the same benefits.

There is a choice of masts that maximise visibility by up to 19% when compared to some leading competitors. A range of operator assist options, including lights, fork laser line, and load weight display are also available. This helps support operators in accuracy and performance.

The optional Dynamic Stability System (DSS) is also available with the H1.6-2.0A models. This may help reduce the likelihood of tip overs and reminds operators of safe operating practices by monitoring operating conditions and automatically limiting truck functionality when potentially unsafe conditions are detected.

“Equipping operators with trucks that keep them confident and comfortable can help support productivity in demanding operations,” says Nachtergaele. “For instance, this truck features a spacious and comfortable operator compartment and an all-new touchscreen display to help operators work at their best.”

A complete range of overhead guard and cabin options are available, including the clear-view glass roof option, sunshades and more. This operator-centric design helps meet the needs of a range of different industries, including operations handling building materials, metals, and chemicals, and plastics. The Hyster H1.6-2.0A lift trucks can be ordered now from the global network of local Hyster dealers.

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Electric Forklift brings ICE-like Performance

Posted on by David Priestman

Hyster has launched new integrated lithium-ion battery powered forklifts that deliver robust performance, comparable to an internal combustion engine (ICE) lift truck. The Hyster® J2.0-3.5XTLG series, capable of lifting up to 3.5 tonnes, can be used in both indoor and outdoor operations, providing a durable, flexible option with zero exhaust emissions.

“Many industrial businesses are looking to drive down emissions and are keen to replace ICE models with electric fleets. But they need to do so cost-effectively, while maintaining high performance and productivity,” says Fraser Brash, Product Manager for Hyster. “The new Hyster lift trucks are a competitively priced, emission free option with tried and tested toughness built in.”

The design features up to 34% better through mast visibility, a spacious weatherproof cabin, large superelastic tyres and high ground clearance, so operators can maintain productivity over uneven surfaces and through challenging weather conditions. The new Hyster electric models can not only be used inside industrial warehouses, but also outside in yards or loading areas in the wood, metals, chemical or construction materials industries.

Lithium-ion battery power also delivers productivity benefits. Opportunity charging trucks during breaks helps maximise uptime across shifts, while the battery itself requires zero maintenance. Eliminating engine servicing and battery changes also helps save valuable operational time.

Lithium-ion charging can be more efficient compared to charging a lead acid battery, providing users with more power, without additional cost. Compared to an ICE counterpart, energy costs can typically be halved with the new Hyster models. The lift trucks also represent value with a long battery life and a 5-year warranty included.

Customers can choose from models with either 154V or 115V batteries to match power requirements with operational intensity. The Hyster J2.0-3.5XTLG also includes a larger battery capacity than many competitors as standard, to power longer run times and reduce downtime.

“When you combine lithium-ion power with Hyster toughness, you get Clean Power that Means Business – a lift truck solution fit for strict emissions regulations, which keeps productivity high, and costs low,” adds Brash.

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Hyster Highlights Robotic and Lithium-ion Technology

 

Hyster Reaction Assists in Demanding Forklift Operations

Posted on by David Priestman

Hyster has introduced a new lift truck operator assistance system to support operator best practices in tough and demanding applications. Hyster Reaction™ reinforces proper lift truck operation by adjusting truck performance based on real-time equipment status, location, and operating conditions.

“Mitigating lift truck incidents, safety violations, and operational downtime is a priority for many intense indoor forklift operations,” says Daniel Heap, Manager, Product and Commercial – Technology and Connected Fleet. “Hyster Reaction meets this challenge head-on with a robust solution that can help safeguard productivity and support site safety processes. Developed in collaboration with one of the world’s largest logistics and technology companies, it represents an investment of more than 29,000 hours in research and development.”

Hyster Reaction keeps the operator in ultimate control of the truck but employs a range of equipment performance controls that adapt based on location, equipment-specific thresholds, and proximity to obstacles or pedestrians to proactively adjusts truck performance.

• Forklift proximity sensors – Speed is automatically limited when approaching pedestrians and equipment or according to location-specific rules. For example, when lift trucks approach a four-way cross or designated pedestrian zone. Local or real-time location technologies use tags to detect trucks, pedestrians, and beacons, helping inform performance controls. Object detection with LiDAR technology also detects obstacles in the path of travel, including those not connected to proximity tags.

• Hydraulic function control – Hyster Reaction continuously gathers inputs from the multiple detection technologies to implement performance adjustments to travel speed and acceleration. It also uses these inputs to adjust hydraulic functions, including lift, lower and tilt. This helps improve load stability and helps reduce the risk of tipping and load slip. It includes an overload arrest function to prevent operators moving loads that exceed specified weight thresholds.

• Dynamic operator alerts – When Hyster Reaction detects a pedestrian or obstacle in the path of travel, a location-based speed limit, or other condition, the system initiates a performance reduction that is noticeable to the operator as well as providing visual and audible alerts. These support operator awareness and provide additional reaction time.

“Hyster Reaction is a comprehensive solution that may help companies overcome tough operational challenges. Coupled with correct training, we have found that Hyster Reaction can be a useful tool in reducing risks and reinforcing safety initiatives,” says Heap. “Consolidating these technologies, controls, and features into one package enables sites to benefit from a single, robust solution, adaptable and scalable for their specific application needs.”

Hyster Reaction is available for selected Hyster lift trucks and warehouse equipment models. The solution can be ordered via the official Hyster dealer network.

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Hyster Adds Platform Stacker to General Purpose Ops Range

 

New lithium-ion options for Hyster® UT forklift range

Posted on by Will Priestman

The choice of lithium-ion forklift options is set to step up a gear with the launch of several new competitively priced models from Hyster. The new four-wheel UTL and three-wheel UTTL lithium-ion counterbalance forklifts provide the dependability and strength expected from the Hyster brand, and are bolstered by unmatched aftermarket support, warranty, and fast parts supply.

“Forklift buyers can now have all the benefits of lithium-ion on a no-nonsense forklift they can depend on, with lift capacities up to 3.5 tonnes and a reach up to 6m,” says Robert O’Donoghue, Vice President Marketing and Product Solutions, EMEA for Hyster. “What’s more, these zero-emission trucks are easy to maintain, provide a low total cost of ownership and are supported by one of the strongest lift truck distribution networks in the market to keep industrial businesses moving.”

The new models include the J1.5-3.5UTL series alongside the J1.6-2.0UTTL series, and will be available across Europe, Middle East, and Africa. All the models feature long-lasting lithium-ion batteries that are integrated via a battery box underneath the seat, with various options available.

“Users can expect a fast, full charge in about two and a half hours on most models providing a responsive performance, consistent lifting power and travel speeds up to 16km/h,” he says. “The batteries can also be opportunity charged in available breaks to fully meet the application requirements, even over multiple shifts.”

The new forklifts are ideal for stacking and moving goods around yards, storage areas, or loading bays in various manufacturing and materials handling operations, inside and out. There is reduced time on maintenance with no cleaning or watering required, and the fast charging does not have any adverse effects on the battery life. Furthermore, space-eating battery charging and changing stations are no longer needed.

The lithium-ion battery, which is factory fitted, has an attractive 5-year warranty (or 7500 hours) as standard. The battery box can also be replaced if required (e.g. for a lead acid battery) later in the truck’s lifecycle.

“These lithium-ion forklifts are another demonstration of how Hyster is powering your possibilities. They are highly dependable, easy to operate, simple to maintain and meet local emissions standards, supporting businesses in their own sustainability goals,” Robert says. “And with the strong Hyster dealer network, customers have the peace of mind that there is aftermarket support and parts readily available for any units in need of immediate repair, alongside the protection of a fully backed warranty.”

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500,000th UK-made Forklift Donated

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The 500,000th forklift from the factory producing Hyster® lift trucks in Northern Ireland has been donated to a local branch of FareShare, the UK’s longest running food redistribution charity.

Representatives from FareShare, based in Mallusk, visited the Craigavon plant on 6th March to receive the handover of the new truck – a Hyster J1.6XNT three-wheel electric lift truck. Stewart Murdoch – Senior Vice President, Managing Director, EMEA and Darren Johnston, Craigavon Plant Manager for Hyster Europe presented the truck, which features a panel containing the name of every current employee at the manufacturing plant, to Roisin Colohan, Operations Manager, representing FareShare. The special event was also attended by Lord Mayor of Armagh, Banbridge, Craigavon Council Alderman Margaret Tinsley, and Roger Wilson the Chief Executive of Armagh, Banbridge, Craigavon Council. In Northern Ireland, FareShare is part of local charity Homeless Connect which has been operating the project for thirteen years.

Commenting on the handover, Declan McKillop, Head of Operations at Homeless Connect, said “We are absolutely delighted that FareShare has been chosen to receive the half millionth forklift truck. The Hyster truck will play a vital role at our depot in Mallusk in helping us to redistribute good quality surplus food to over 170 local charities, community groups, schools, homeless hostels, and foodbanks that we support every week.”

FareShare provides Northern Ireland’s largest food redistribution network. Last year it distributed 669 tonnes of food, equivalent to 1.6 million meals to 179 charities, community groups and schools throughout Northern Ireland. Over 35,000 people each year benefit from FareShare food. The donated truck will be used in warehouses, based in Newtownabbey, where food items for redistribution are stored.

Half a million Hysters

The truck will be supported by UK and Ireland Hyster dealer Briggs Equipment, which will provide free-of-charge training and servicing during the warranty period.

“Giving back is something that is incredibly important to our whole team,” says Darren Johnston. “Supporting a great cause that benefits those in our local community seemed the ideal way to celebrate the milestone of manufacturing half a million trucks on our production lines. The Hyster electric lift truck we have donated is highly reliable, efficient, and operator friendly, giving FareShare and Homeless Connect equipment they can depend on, so that they can continue the great work they do to help people.”

Stewart Murdoch adds: ‘For more than 40 years of successfully operating in Northern Ireland, we are proud to continue to play a strong part in the local Armagh City, Banbridge, and Craigavon community and to have achieved this landmark milestone of 500,000 lift trucks produced at our Craigavon facility is simply wonderful. The long-term success of our organisation is down to the passion, commitment and dedication shown by our incredible workforce and I would like to thank them all for the positive contribution that they make to both our company and the wider community. It is an absolute privilege to have my tenure with the company coincide with this landmark milestone in our continuing history in Craigavon.”

The facility in Craigavon, around 30 miles from Belfast, officially opened in 1981 and has grown to be the largest volume forklift plant in the UK, manufacturing thousands of electric, diesel, and LPG forklifts each year for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. It employs hundreds of people from the local area and has extended its factory in recent years to incorporate new automation and sustainability innovations.

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Rental Firm Chooses New Big Trucks

Posted on by David Priestman

Sunbelt Rentals, one of the UK’s largest rental equipment providers, has taken delivery of a new fleet of fifteen Hyster® H16XD6 Big Trucks for the handling of accommodation units.

The new machines will ensure better performance at its Accommodation Depots located across the UK. Depending on customer requirements, the specially adapted accommodation units feature water and power supply, and can be equipped for use as office space, changing areas, break rooms, kitchen and bathroom facilities, or a first aid area.

Working closely with Asset Management and Engineering Services Specialist, Briggs Equipment, Sunbelt Rentals selected the Hyster heavy duty lift trucks, which can lift up to 16 tonnes. The machines are designed with a robust chassis and offer the high uptime needed to support the demanding operations at Sunbelt Rentals. With an ergonomically designed high visibility cab, the new models prioritise operator comfort, helping to put greater productivity within easy reach. So that each operation benefits from a low Total Cost of Ownership, the forklifts are engineered to minimise tyre wear and fuel consumption, while optimising serviceability.

Corinna Davies, Briggs Equipment’s Key Account Manager, commented: “We are delighted to have completed the delivery of this new fleet of Hyster Big Trucks to Sunbelt Rentals. We have been through an extensive process to ensure that the equipment meets Sunbelt Rentals requirements to support their customers and colleagues both today and in the future.

“The specialist container handlers are manufactured by Hyster and feature the latest technology and ergonomic features to ensure a more comfortable, safe and productive working environment for operators. The trucks are also Stage V compliant to meet industry regulations and support Sunbelt Rentals’ strategic objectives to invest in green technology that reduces harmful emissions.
“We are looking forward to working closely with the Sunbelt Rentals team to ensure they get the most out of their new equipment.”

Ian Needham, Director of Accommodation at Sunbelt Rentals UK and Ireland, said “We are thrilled about the addition of H16XD6 lift trucks to our fleet. Our decision to partner with Briggs Equipment and Hyster was carefully made, considering their excellent safety and reliability records and commitment to providing driver comfort features in their equipment.

“This partnership is a testament to our dedication to safety, as well as our focus on improving operational efficiency and creating a comfortable working environment for our team. This partnership with Briggs and Hyster aligns perfectly with our ever-growing and evolving Accommodation offerings, setting us up for continued success in the future.”

New Big Trucks

Drew Reeves, Head of Major accounts at Hyster Europe, commented on the partnership:, commented: “Hyster has a long history in providing tough and reliable equipment for high intensity container handling applications, and we understand that moving accommodation containers comes with specific demands. That combined with the expertise of Briggs Equipment led the customer to the Hyster H16XD6 as a great fit for their particular application. The new forklifts also include a three-stage mast and can handle the welfare units on the forks, without the need for any special attachments.”

New Hyster Reach Truck Goes Outside

Posted on by David Priestman

Hyster has introduced a new Reach Truck that works inside and outside providing even more flexibility for storage, handling and loading operations. The robust new RO1.6-2.0 Reach Truck models, for lifts up to two tonnes, feature Super Elastic tyres for load and drive wheels for use on uneven, outdoor ground conditions, as well as in indoor warehouse operations.
Optional cabs are also available for applications requiring frequent outdoor usage.

“With the new Hyster Outdoor Reach Truck, we have created a ‘2-in-1’ truck to help Power Your Possibilities on sites with mixed indoor and outdoor operations,” says Monica Radavelli, Product Manager Warehouse for Hyster. “You can retrieve pallets indoors and then load them into lorries outside, or you can efficiently unload lorries with varying floor conditions, before putting the pallets away in the warehouse – all with the same truck.

“The Super Elastic tyres are particularly effective at absorbing the effects of uneven ground, making it comfortable for drivers while giving the Hyster durability that tough applications depend on,” she continues.

For added flexibility and warehouse optimisation, the new Hyster Outdoor Reach Truck also supports operations in narrow warehouse aisles, with a more compact design compared to most counterbalance lift trucks. 3-stage FFL masts, with tilting and side shifting forks, support a lifting height of up to 7.5m in the warehouse.

To optimise productivity further, the new Hyster Outdoor Reach Truck is available with a lithium-ion battery option. This enables rapid opportunity charging during breaks, with no adverse effect on the battery, to support multi-shift operations and maximise fleet uptime.

“Lithium-ion batteries give you Clean Power that Means Business,” says Radavelli. “No gassing or watering is required, and there is no risk of acid spills. Depending on local regulations, space may also be maximised as, instead of a designated charging room, the truck can be simply plugged in to top up its charge throughout the day. Multi-shift operations may also be able to reduce their battery fleet.”

In addition to a choice of lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries and different chargers, a number of options are also available to enable businesses to power productivity in their specific application. For instance, telescopic forks can be added to the Outdoor Reach Trucks to increase the range of possible pallet positions, or to provide flexibility for operations that may need to load or unload lorries from one side only.

Other options include semi and full cabs, full cab heating, and wiper options, to optimise the driver experience when the truck is in regular use outdoors. The truck can also be customised with different seat, steering and display options, and a range of cameras and lights to assist operators in dark yards or busy warehouses.

Simple serviceability and diagnostics are integral to the truck design, helping to maximise operational uptime. For maintenance, parts are readily available and easily replaced. The Hyster RO1.6-2.0 Outdoor Reach Truck can be ordered now from Hyster distribution partners.

Hyster Celebrates 70 years of Big Trucks

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The plant in Nijmegen, the Netherlands, where Hyster® Big Trucks are produced is celebrating its 70th year in 2023.

In 1952, Hyster created its first European plant in Nijmegen, with the first Hyster Big Trucks manufactured at the factory from January 1953. An official event was held to open the site in October 1953, attended by a number of dignitaries and more than 500 guests. This celebration saw the Mayor of Nijmegen cut the ribbon at the plant’s gates while riding a Hyster® lift truck.

To this day, the Nijmegen plant stands on the same site. However, it is now the global centre of design, development, and testing for Hyster Big Trucks globally. This includes the production of heavy-duty forklifts, with capacities from 8 – 48 tonnes, Hyster Empty Container Handlers, and the Hyster RS46 Reach Stacker, as well as support services for the entire Big Truck range.

The Research and Development centre in Nijmegen has always been dedicated to the next generation of Big Trucks. In recent years, this has enabled Hyster to introduce a new cabin, available across most Big Trucks, which is packed with ergonomic, productivity-enhancing features in an efficient, cockpit-style design. It has also seen the launch of Big Truck engines compliant with the Stage V emissions standards, and solutions that enable Big Trucks to utilise HVO100 fuel, both of which support businesses to reduce their CO2 tailpipe emissions.

Most notably, the R&D centre in Nijmegen has seen an increased focus on supporting the transition to zero-emission port equipment, leveraging lithium-ion battery and hydrogen fuel cell technologies in particular. This is a long way from the ‘Karry Kranes’ and forklifts produced in the plant’s first year – mobile equipment based on tractor frames, that may seem primitive by today’s standards.

Key projects from the team in Nijmegen include a hydrogen fuel cell-powered container handler, currently in testing at the Port of Los Angeles, an Empty Container Handler powered by hydrogen fuel cells for Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG, Germany, and a fuel-cell powered Reach Stacker in development for the Port of Valencia, Spain. In addition, Hyster is developing a 100% battery-powered Hyster Empty Container Handler for use by CARU Containers in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Earlier this year, Hyster also previewed a zero-emission Terminal Tractor which will be powered by Nuvera hydrogen fuel cells and is in development in collaboration with yard truck brand Capacity.

“The plant in Nijmegen has always aimed to deliver dependable Hyster Big Trucks that meet the needs of tough applications and demanding working conditions. That we are still here, and still innovating new solutions, 70 years on is testament to the quality of our manufacturing, and to how well we understand our customers’ ever-changing challenges,” says Peter van Sommeren, Senior Director Manufacturing and European Parts Ops.

Yale Appoints new Warehouse Sales Director

Posted on by David Priestman

Yale Lift Truck Technologies has appointed Ron Farr to a new role as Director, Warehouse Sales – EMEA, helping to continue to drive the brand’s focus on the intralogistics industry.

In his role, Farr will support the independent Yale Dealer Partners across the region in providing customers with the right materials handling solutions to meet their operational requirements. The creation of this new position demonstrates the importance Yale places on developing its capabilities and solutions for the fast-evolving warehouse sector.

“I’m excited about this new position because my entire life has been about warehouse trucks, and I see customer engagement with a warehouse machine as slightly different to that of the counterbalance truck,” says Farr, who has worked for the organisation for almost 25 years.

“In my new role, I am looking forward to helping our dealers to realise new opportunities, so that our warehouse customers can experience and benefit from our technology-enabled lift trucks,” he continues. “We understand the issues that warehouses face, and have solutions to help meet these challenges. Our aim is to support productivity, efficiency, and reduced costs, as well as providing the excellent service and support that dynamic intralogistics operations rely on.”

Farr has worked in a number of roles throughout his career, including as a Draftsman, a Technical Manager, and in Sales. All his roles have been related to warehouse equipment, giving him a high level of insight and expertise that will benefit customers and dealers alike.

Yale Lift Truck Technologies leverages over a century of material handling experience and substantial investment in innovation to bring the most advanced technology-driven lift truck solutions to market. The company offers a full line of award-winning lift trucks, including reach trucks, order pickers, very narrow aisle trucks, pallet jacks and trucks, pallet stackers, tow tractors and counterbalanced forklifts, as well as powerful operator assist solutions, proven robotics and a wide range of power sources to help customers adapt to today’s demanding supply chain. Yale and its independent dealer network support these solutions with comprehensive after-sales service, parts, financing and training.

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