A fleet to massively reduce CO2 emissions!

Profine Group has taken an important step by converting its entire sideloader fleet to new BULMOR EQ60s

profine GmbH introduces new electric forklift sideloader fleet – Sustainability in focus

profine GmbH officially launched its new electric forklift sideloader fleet at its Pirmasens site on 15th January 2024. The presentation took place during a small ceremony attended by partner companies involved in the project. The transition to electrically powered side loaders underlines the company's commitment to sustainability and environmentally conscious practices.

Twenty-five diesel-powered side loadersmachines were replaced by twenty-five electric side loaders from the Bulmor brand. All forklifts sideloaders belong to the same series and have a load capacity of 6 tons. This not only ensures flexibility in operation but also maintains a consistent appearance and efficient working conditions for all forklift operators.

Sustainable Decision

The decision to adopt an electric forklift sideloader fleet was guided by various considerations. In the ecological aspect, the company aims to reduce CO2 emissions, minimize the ecological footprint, and decrease the number of spare parts transports by using the same model.

Göksel Bozaga, Head of Logistics at profine, commented during the official inauguration, "The introduction of our new electric forklift sideloader fleet is a significant step for us as a company in terms of sustainability and environmental protection. We are proud to reduce our ecological footprint while improving working conditions for our employees. This investment is a clear commitment to sustainable and future-oriented logistics."

Additionally, there are economic benefits through savings in energy and service costs, as well as support from the German Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA). A sustainable intra-company transport also contributes to increasing competitiveness.

Another focus of the decision lies in social aspects and Occupational Health and Safety. The shift to electric forklifts sideloaders significantly reduces noise pollution for the workforce and operators. Moreover, there are no odors and emissions from combustion engines, leading to a significant improvement in working conditions and cleanliness in the facility.

Alexander Franke, CSCO of profine Group, summarized: "The complete transition to an electric forklift sideloader fleet at the location is a milestone for our company. This step not only has positive effects on the environment but also brings economic advantages. The electrified forklifts sideloaders enable lower operating costs, thereby enhancing the competitiveness and performance of our logistics. By deploying this state-of-the-art fleet, we make another statement towards a fully sustainable supply chain."

Competent Partners & Future-oriented Signal

The new side loaders have a platform width of 1,200 millimeters, pneumatic tires, 3-point seat belts for increased safety, as well as modern crash sensors and an electronic access concept. In 2022, two prototypes of the new electric side loadersmachines were tested by profine employees, and the feedback was extremely positive.

Thomas Jakowiak, CEO of Bulmor, is delighted about the collaboration: "We are pleased that profine has chosen Bulmor products for their new sustainable forklift sideloader fleet. Our new generation of side loaders proves that strength, efficiency, and ecological demands are not contradictory. The e-powered series provides strong load capacity without burdening the environment and driver teams. Additionally, the fleet management system mybulmor contributes to the optimal performance of the side loaders."

The Gruma corporate group, responsible for the business relationship, played a crucial role in selecting the right forklifts lifting solution for use in the profine plant. Stefan Fröhlich, Sales Manager Special Vehicles at Gruma, commented: "We have been renting the first forklift sideloader fleet to profine in Berlin since 2011. For many years, we have been the full-liner contact for material handling equipment and intralogistics solutions and have delivered many devices for German and international locations in recent years. Implementing this challenging and so far unique project of transitioning to an electric side loader fleet in Pirmasens with our partners Bulmor and HOPPECKE was very ambitiousdemanding. We appreciate the trust and look forward to further collaboration."

The batteries and chargers are provided by HOPPECKE Batteries. A total of 62 trak | uplift air batteries (with integrated electrolyte circulation and a capacity of 80 V and 1,240 Ah) and 49 trak | charger HF chargers were installed.

The joint collaboration and decision for electric propulsion also receive approval and joy from Tim Kappe, Sales Manager Motive Power Region DACH: "The transition from diesel to electric propulsion is a crucial step towards sustainable logistics. We are very pleased that profine is taking this path together with HOPPECKE and our trak | uplift air batteries and chargers. Thanks to this solution, not only can CO2 emissions be reduced, but also operational and energy costs can be significantly lowered. In short, a sustainable progress that brings both ecological and economic benefits."