In today’s rapidly evolving industrial landscape, technological advancements have been instrumental in optimizing operational efficiency and environmental sustainability. One such innovation making significant waves in the industrial sector is the integration of lithium-ion forklifts and material handling equipment.
Solyro, a company specializing in fluid control equipment, recently transformed their daily operations. They have replaced their conventional fleet of IC forklifts with lithium-ion forklifts, supplied by EP Equipment partner Olteck & Co. This decision has not only modernized their operations but has also significantly enhanced productivity and safety across their facilities.
The Transition to Lithium-Ion Forklifts
Olteck & Co. supplied the customers with four TVL and one FVL from EP Equipment with a long rental solution. These lithium-powered forklifts have strongly improved Solyro’s operational landscape.
CPD15TVL & CP18TVL
The TVL series, intricately designed around the benefits of lithium-ion technology, features a compact size. This makes the truck suitable for narrow aisle warehouse applications. Powered by 80-volt 2*5 kW dual-drive motors, these forklifts ensure unparalleled productivity with up to 6 working hours per charge. The maneuverability and small turning radius of the TVL series make them ideal for indoor warehousing transportation, especially in confined spaces.
CPD18FVL
The FVL series, a Li-ion 4-wheel dual-drive counterbalance forklift truck, exhibits a load capacity of 1.8/2.0 tons. Its compact design allows easy navigation in confined spaces while the 80V 5.0*2kW dual-drive system maximizes transportation efficiency. The incorporation of an 80V/205Ah maintenance-free Li-ion battery and integrated charger further enhances productivity through opportunity charging and extended workshift arrangements.
Both the TVL and FVL series are equipped with lithium-ion batteries, offering extended battery life and high energy density. These Li-ion batteries boast exceptional longevity, providing longer operational hours per charge compared to traditional counterparts, thereby increasing productivity and minimizing downtime. Additionally, their high energy density ensures superior performance, enabling the forklifts to deliver consistent power output for demanding industrial applications, enhancing efficiency and overall operational effectiveness.
The commitment to environmental sustainability: the switch to Li-ion
During our visit at Solyro, Christelle, Supply Chain Manager highlighted how the switch to Li-ion equipment aligns with the company’s commitment to environmental initiatives.
“Solyro has been an industrial valve company since 1978. We are mainly active in the chemical industry. We also work in pharmaceuticals, food processing and renewable energies.
Our shift to lithium forklifts aligns with our pursuit of ISO 14001 certification and our commitment to eco-friendly initiatives, including paperless operations and more.”
Cyril Olivieri, Managing Director at Olteck & Co., explained why the TVL and FVL Series from EP Equipment are the perfect fit for Solyro. “At Solyro, we have chosen to lease 5 machines ranging from 1500 kilos to 1800 kilos, of the CPD 15, CPD 18 and CPD 18 FVL types. These are a 4-wheeler and a 3-wheeler on a 72-month long-term lease.
We’ve talked about it, and full service on this site isn’t necessarily a good idea, because they don’t use a lot of machines, but it’s a more standard use. And above all, thanks to the EP lithium-ion forklifts, we have less and less maintenance.
It’s a shame to charge you for something that doesn’t need to be done. We’ll be doing standard maintenance, especially on batteries, motors etc. Just an annual maintenance, I think, will be enough.”
The change on employees’ daily operations
The transition to these lithium-powered forklifts has garnered also positive feedback from Solyro’s employees, emphasizing the notable advantages in safety, comfort, and efficiency.
Christian, a forklift operator at Solyro, he works at the reception unloading the trucks and putting all the deliveries in stock. We asked him what he particularly liked about the EP lithium-ion forklifts and he told our team: “Firstly, the battery connection, now we just need to plug it in anywhere. This is already a time saver. Then the forklifts are very maneuverable and easy to drive.
As far as recharging is concerned, it’s much quicker, you can use it much faster than before. Charging used to take longer, and you must be careful when recharging batteries in water, it was more dangerous.
The lithium battery is truly a game changer making everything much easier. Furthermore, I feel pretty much safe and comfortable handling it. ”
Wesley, warehouseman at Solyro, shared the same feeling of safety. Olteck also proposed a plexiglas protective roof besides the integrated chargers with external plugs for safe recharging.
Wesley highlights: “The first feeling that was obvious at the beginning was safety. I felt a lot safer compared to the old forklifts we had, and you could really feel that directly, and I think safety is very important in the environment we work nowadays.
In terms of comfort as well, it was a real evolution compared to what we were using before, so it’s quite pleasant for what we do today. There are no worries, we feel very safe, everything is very well done, and the technical department is very up-to-date.
All it takes is a minor breakdown, and within a day it’s sorted out, or in the worst case scenario, the next day they’re there to intervene, and they’re always available. So that’s a real plus when it comes to keeping our business going, and ensuring that we don’t suffer any drop in productivity. So that’s perfect.”
SOLYRO – Société Lyonnaise de Robinetterie, 33, av. Franklin Roosevelt, 69150 DÉCINES-CHARPIEU – France
Olteck & Co., 14 Avenue Des Catelines, 69720SAINT-LAURENT-DE-MURE
