Leading Toyota forklift distributor, M&W Toyota Handling, has replaced a fleet of gas trucks with electric forklifts to enable one of the UK's leading stainless steel suppliers to achieve a cleaner working environment and significant cost savings.
Vetchberry Steels in Witton, Birmingham, has selected M&W Toyota Handling to supply nine electric forklifts including two 7FBMFs, six 7FBs and one FBESF.
Fitted with a specialist battery system including a high frequency charger, the electric forklifts benefit from highly efficient charging to optimise performance. The system also ensures minimal water consumption in the battery with only two 'top ups' required annually to reduce maintenance costs. To improve safety, M&W Toyota Handling has also equipped the forklifts with PIN code pads.
Dave Thomas, Works Manager at Vetchberry Steels comments: "This is an intensive operation where forklifts are used for over 10 hours a day to transport several tonnes of steel coil around the site. Changing to electric trucks meant we could meet our environmental objectives but they also needed to be effective enough to maintain productivity.
"M&W Toyota Handling has worked closely with us to provide a flexible fleet which has successfully met our expectations and ensured we have achieved our goals."
Jim Davies, Sales Executive, M&W Toyota Handling said: "The electric trucks are cleaner, quieter and more cost effective thanks to minimal recharging costs. The trucks also feature leading technologies to enhance productivity, including Toyota's AC2 Power System which keeps energy consumption low and controls the battery charge."