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.
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