How Acclaim Handling Helped a Distribution Centre Improve Warehouse Efficiency with a New Electric Forklift Fleet

Faced with rising maintenance costs and frequent downtime from an aging diesel fleet, a leading UK distribution centre partnered with Acclaim Handling. We provided a fully managed transition to modern, energy-efficient electric STILL forklifts, resulting in a 30% reduction in operating costs and significantly improved site safety.

XYZ Distribution is a leading logistics provider operating a bustling 24/7 facility in the Midlands. Processing over 10,000 pallets a week, their indoor-outdoor warehouse environment demands robust, reliable equipment. Their primary business objective over the last 12 months has been to reduce their carbon footprint while simultaneously increasing pallet throughput.

Before partnering with Acclaim Handling, XYZ Distribution was facing several critical issues that threatened their operational efficiency:

• Outdated Equipment: Their existing fleet of diesel counterbalance trucks was over 8 years old, leading to frequent breakdowns.
• Increasing Maintenance Costs: The cost of replacement parts and emergency call-outs was severely impacting their quarterly budget.
• Safety & Environmental Concerns: Operating diesel trucks partially indoors created exhaust fume issues, conflicting with their new corporate sustainability goals.

Acclaim Handling took a consultative approach to understand the client’s precise needs. We conducted a comprehensive site survey and fleet review, tracking the movement of goods across the facility. By consulting with warehouse managers and forklift operators, we identified that shifting to an electric fleet would not only solve the emissions issue but also lower long-term running costs.

We replaced the legacy fleet with 12 brand new STILL RX60 Electric Forklifts, complete with side-shift attachments and high-capacity lithium-ion batteries.

The STILL RX60 was chosen because it offers the power of a diesel truck with the zero-emissions benefit of an electric one. Its advanced energy efficiency ensures it can complete a full 8-hour shift on a single charge. Furthermore, the spacious cabin design significantly improved operator comfort, a key request from the workforce.

The project was delivered over a 4-week timeline to ensure zero disruption to XYZ’s live operations. Equipment was delivered in batches, with full commissioning and operator handover completed on-site.

To guarantee a smooth transition, Acclaim Handling provided comprehensive operator familiarisation training for the new electric controls. We also instituted a 5-year Planned Maintenance Service Agreement, including bi-annual LOLER inspections and guaranteed 4-hour breakdown support.

Following the implementation of the new fleet, XYZ Distribution experienced immediate and measurable improvements:

• 30% Lower Operating Costs: Due to the elimination of diesel fuel and reduced maintenance requirements.
• Zero Emissions: Creating a cleaner, safer indoor working environment.
• Increased Productivity: Unplanned downtime was reduced by 95% in the first six months.
• Operator Satisfaction: Operators reported much lower fatigue thanks to the ergonomic STILL cabins.

“Acclaim Handling completely transformed our warehouse operations. The transition to electric was seamless, and the ongoing support gives us total peace of mind. We are moving faster and safer than ever before.”

John Doe – Operations Director, XYZ Distribution