Cargotec delivered zero-emission forklifts for Ford

JOC Staff |
Cargotec has delivered 17 all-electric forklifts from its Kalmar ECF50-90 - Pro Future(TM) range to Ford Motor Company. One Kalmar ECF90-6 and two ECF70-6 models have been delivered to Ford's Craiova Assembly plant in Romania in April and a further 14 forklifts will be delivered to Ford Germany's Cologne facility next month.

Emissions are an important consideration for organisations such as Ford Motor Company with the health and safety of its workforce and stringent environmental policies at the forefront of decision making. The Kalmar all-electric forklift series, which is capable of handling loads from 5 to 9 tonnes, is part of Cargotec's already long list of Pro Future(TM) solutions, which have passed certain industry-leading criteria regarding power source, energy efficiency, carbon efficiency, local emissions and recyclability.

With the majority of Ford Motor Company's applications in Romania and Germany indoors, the company has long recognised the benefits of the zero-emission Kalmar electric forklifts. The all electric forklifts run quietly and smoothly. Another crucial factor to Ford was manoeuvrability, wherefore Cargotec's ability to provide a compact variant was another major positive for working in confined spaces. Ford Motor Company specified 12 of the Kalmar ECF70-6C models supplied to Cologne specifically adapted with a shortened wheelbase to optimise productivity in the narrow indoor operations. The machines will be used to feed steel dies which shape metal to form vehicle chassis during the manufacturing process.

Cargotec's Thomas Malmborg, Vice president, Fork Lift Trucks said: We are delighted that a world renowned manufacturing giant such as Ford Motor Company has recognised the benefits of working in partnership with Cargotec. Today's economic climate increasingly sees a tough balancing act for companies striving to meet ever higher productivity targets while minimising their ecological impact. With the Kalmar ECF50-90 electric range, it's easy to meet demands for a better environment as there simply are no emissions. And by taking harmful emissions out of the equation, customers - especially those operating indoors - can operate in a cleaner and safer environment.

Cargotec improves the efficiency of cargo flows on land and at sea - wherever cargo is on the move. Cargotec's daughter brands, Hiab, Kalmar and MacGregor are recognised leaders in cargo and load handling solutions around the world. Cargotec's global network is positioned close to customers and offers extensive services that ensure the continuous, reliable and sustainable performance of equipment. Cargotec's sales totalled EUR 3.1 billion in 2011 and it employs approximately 10,500 people. Cargotec's class B shares are quoted on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki under symbol CGCBV. www.cargotec.com