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Jofson is one of the largest independent suppliers of forklift trucks and materials handling equipment in Birmingham and Manchester. We have been around since 1977 and offer new and used forklifts to companies so that they can hire and buy.

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About the customer

AquaSpira is a pioneering composite steel drainage pipe manufacturer based in
Nelson, Lancashire. AquaSpira recently unveiled ambitious plans to reduce
its embodied carbon by half and has taken a significant step in achieving it by
switching from IC engine to electric forklifts.

Overview

  • Customer: AquaSpira
  • Industry: Drainage pipe manufacturer
  • Dealer: Jofson
  • Product:
  • 2-tonne EDiA EM FB20AN
    electric forklift
  • 2.5-tonne EDiA EX FB25CN
    electric forklift
  • 3-tonne EDiA EX FB30CN
    electric forklift.
  • What was the challenge?
    De-carbonise production and reduce
    environmental impact, while keeping
    productivity high.
  • Why this product?
    Electric EDiA EM and EX trucks
    offer emission-free operation, low
    energy usage, and a range of safety
    and stability features.
  • What was the outcome?
    AquaSpira has greatly lowered the
    carbon impact of its fleet due to the
    lack of direct emissions and will be
    charging trucks via solar panels.

Small but tough

Jofson recommended three models from the Mitsubishi EDiA range – renowned for its agility, strength and state-of-the-art ergonomics.

AquaSpira acquired a 2-tonne EDiA EM FB20AN for use in the warehouse, a 2.5-tonne EDiA EX FB25CN for general purpose work such as unloading and loading, and a 3-tonne EDiA EX FB30CN for heavy-duty lifting of steel coils and finished pipes.

All EDiA models are compact and have a >100-degree steering axle with dual drive motors that give the machine four-wheel steering, which guarantees a very small turning circle.

EDiA has exceptional all-round, 360- degree visibility, while the ECO and PRO modes allow the motor parameters to be adjusted to suit each operator’s capability.

“These trucks are lifting large metal and plastic loads which have a tendency to slip and move, so extra care is needed. EDiA has a Sensitive

Drive System that ensures smooth movement and its Intelligent Cornering System calculates angles at the very start of a turn and automatically optimises speed for greater stability.”

Lee Whittaker, Sales Manager, Jofson

Run on the sun

In the future, AquaSpira plans to install solar panels to generate electricity for the site, allowing the forklifts to be charged using renewable energy.

Plus, EDiA forklifts will keep going and going thanks to their low energy consumption.

“The trucks only need to be charged every couple of days. What’s more, because they are every bit as powerful as the old diesels and LP gas trucks, they can carry large loads, so we have fewer trips back and forth across the yard. That means the battery charge lasts longer and we get more done.”

Leigh Cain, Transport Manager, AquaSpira

Clean and quiet

The new EDiA trucks are used to cover a large site over varied and sometimes uneven terrain, but have proved equal to every challenge.

As well as supporting leaner and cleaner operations, electric trucks have the added benefit of being future- proof, given the impending end to red diesel subsidies that could see the running costs of diesel trucks soar.

“The operators like the new trucks and the fact that we can adjust a lot of the truck settings means every task is handled with ease. The noise is the biggest difference we noticed. The EDiA forklifts are very quiet, and as there are no emissions it is much safer for anyone working around them, especially in the warehouse.”

Leigh Cain, Transport Manager, AquaSpira