Low-emission process
A large proportion of the waste generated in the forklift truck manufacturing process is already recycled. At the production plant for large forklift trucks in Nijmegen in the Netherlands, for example, all non-recyclable waste is incinerated in the country's cleanest incineration plant. The heat heats the factory building and surrounding residential buildings. "At our production site in Nijmegen, we have already achieved our goal of avoiding landfill waste," adds McNally. In addition, a solar system partially covers the site's energy supply.

The plant in Craigavon, Northern Ireland, is similarly environmentally conscious. 97 percent of waste at the site is recycled. Landfill waste is reduced by almost 45 percent. A new building concept was used for the expansion of the site, which includes resource-efficient heating, a sustainable urban drainage system, protected areas for biodiversity and more effective use of natural light. There is an expert on site who is responsible for the responsible use and procurement of sustainable and reusable packaging materials. Wherever possible, Hyster delivers the finished trucks using low-emission methods. This reduces the carbon footprint. For example, Hyster can transport the reach stackers from the Nijmegen plant to the port of Zeebrugge by barge, thereby reducing fuel consumption and the number of trucks on the road.

"In addition to sustainable manufacturing processes, we are developing low-emission and emission-free forklifts across our entire product range. Major advances in technology and truck design are helping us to achieve this," says McNally. "From large forklifts for ports and terminals to forklifts for light duty applications, more and more of our products are incorporating clean energy solutions." For example, Hyster has used lithium-ion batteries and hydrogen fuel cells to develop what the company claims are the first zero-emission container stackers and reach stackers. Large forklifts with a load capacity of eight tons or more are available with Stage V engines. They meet the EU emissions standard. This enables companies to comply with emissions regulations while increasing productivity and reducing operating costs.