Jungheinrich UK is expanding its role from forklift supplier to energy and fleet partner for distribution centres. The company says its customers increasingly need help matching electric truck demand with the power available at each site.
A dedicated energy infrastructure team models consumption across charging, lighting, offices and other equipment. Materials-handling equipment can represent 50–60% of a distribution centre’s electricity use, depending on the facility. Jungheinrich’s approach includes adjusting charger output, using shift breaks as charging windows and coordinating charging with solar generation. The company is also examining stationary energy storage.
The technology offer includes EFG 2 and 3 series electric counterbalanced trucks, with a slim frame to improve visibility, adjustable controls and an optional transparent roof. Automatic fork levelling and a rear camera that can identify pedestrians add operational safeguards. The wider package includes access control, speed management, impact monitoring, rack protection and telematics. The UKMHA says Britain still sees about 1,500 serious forklift-related injuries each year.
Jungheinrich has also introduced ETV reach trucks in 2i, 3i and 4i versions. The range offers lead-acid or lithium-ion power, lifting heights up to 8.6m and a lifting speed of 1.2m/s. The ETV2i has a 42cm entry height for operators who frequently leave the cab.
Customer retention is a central part of the model. Jungheinrich says recurring business and contract renewals account for around 80% of UK turnover. Fleet-management tools, remote diagnostics and customer surveys support the service relationship, while data on utilisation and maintenance creates opportunities for further equipment and software sales.
A multilingual professional experienced in Europe, Canada, and China, Herbert has developed invaluable networks in the automotive and energy industries. He has led high-profile projects involving ENBW, Mercedes-Benz Group, Siemens Group, and the Fraunhofer Institute.