Hyster-Yale Materials Handling: Durability, Precision and Efficiency to Optimise Operations

Serving the materials handling industry for over 100 years, Hyster-Yale has a strong team with global manufacturing operations. paperASIA talked to Ben Newey, Hyster-Yale Materials Handling’s Vice President, Sales and Marketing (API) recently on the company’s take on the materials handling industry in Asia Pacific and its latest offerings such as the lithium-ion powered trucks and paper attachment solutions for the paper industry. 

Newey: The material handling industry in the Asia Pacific region is experiencing significant growth, especially with the rapid expansion of industries like paper manufacturing. The paper sector relies heavily on specialised equipment to manage large, heavy loads of raw materials such as logs, pulp and paper rolls. Our Hyster® and Yale® trucks are purpose-built to handle these challenges, offering the durability, precision and efficiency needed to optimise operations in such a demanding environment. As automation, digitalisation, and sustainability continue to drive innovation, Hyster-Yale remains committed to supporting these trends with advanced solutions that boost productivity and reduce environmental impact.

Newey: The growing demand for sustainable practices has fueled the popularity of electric-powered equipment in material handling. As businesses look to decrease their carbon footprint and align with global sustainability goals, electric lift trucks offer a practical solution by minimising emissions, improving energy efficiency and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. This shift is not only a trend but a necessity for companies aiming to enhance long-term operational sustainability while also staying competitive. In response to this trend, we recently introduced the Hyster J2.0-3.5XTLG and the Yale ERP2.0-3.5MXLG models of outdoor electric lift trucks, bringing practical and efficient solutions to the Asia Pacific region. These trucks are designed to rival the capabilities of internal combustion engine (ICE) models, making them suitable for heavy-duty and outdoor applications, while contributing to reduced emissions and a reduced carbon footprint.

Newey: Hyster and Yale lithium-ion powered trucks provide significant advantages over ICE trucks, which are still common in Asia. Lithium-ion batteries can offer a longer lifespan than lead-acid batteries and require less maintenance, eliminating tasks like watering or equalising charges. Yet, the most obvious advantage is that lithium-ion trucks offer clean, emission-free operation, aiding companies in reaching their sustainability goals and lowering their carbon footprint, which is increasingly important for businesses in Asia. Our advanced battery management system monitors battery charge levels, temperature and overall health in real time. It prevents overcharging, avoids overheating and balances the load across cells. This extends battery life and delivers reliable power, even in heavy-duty applications.

Newey: Our lithium-ion trucks are central to our sustainability efforts, offering a cleaner, energy-efficient alternative to ICE trucks. By operating without emissions, they significantly reduce the carbon footprint of material handling operations, supporting our environmental goals. Compared to lead-acid powered trucks, lithium-ion powered forklifts charge faster, run longer between charges and require less battery maintenance, resulting in reduced energy consumption and significant cost savings. By replacing fuel with electric power and minimising maintenance demands, lithium-ion trucks help cut both operational costs and environmental impact, making them a key part of our commitment to sustainable solutions.

Newey: Lithium-ion trucks have consistently improved operational efficiency, particularly in demanding environments like the paper industry. For example, our team in North America worked with two large paper and packaging providers who were facing challenges such as emissions, high maintenance costs, long charging times, complex battery change-outs—issues related to both ICE and lead-acid battery-powered lift trucks. By switching to our lithium-ion-powered trucks, both companies eliminated exhaust emissions and reduced downtime. One company saved USD1.5 million by switching to lithium-ion in just one facility, benefiting from faster charging times, reduced energy costs and fewer maintenance requirements. These advantages enable operators to spend more time working efficiently, while avoiding cumbersome battery maintenance processes and hazardous materials handling. This solution demonstrates how lithium-ion trucks offer paper manufacturers not only sustainability benefits but also a lower total cost of ownership.

Newey: Paper attachment solutions enhance material handling efficiency by securely and precisely moving heavy, delicate items like paper rolls and pulp bales. Specialised attachments, such as clamps and rotators, can reduce product damage, improve productivity and contribute to smoother operations. Factory-integrated paper attachments on Hyster or Yale forklifts are designed to work seamlessly with their trucks, offering tailored solutions to meet the demands of the paper industry.

Newey: In the paper industry, using the wrong clamp or applying incorrect pressure can result in costly damage to paper rolls. By accommodating a complete range of specialised attachments like those from Hyster-Yale’s subsidiary Bolzoni (e.g., tower clamps and  rotating paper roll clamps), Hyster-Yale helps customers to use the right attachment for the job, reducing damage and enhancing productivity. Additionally, changing operational demands, like handling different sizes of paper rolls or accommodating increased capacity, requires flexibility. Hyster and Yale equipment are designed to be fitted with versatile attachment solutions to meet these needs, helping businesses adapt to evolving requirements without sacrificing efficiency.

Newey: Our strong focus on sustainability, robust support network and proven performance differentiates us from the competition. With the widest range of advanced motive power technologies in the industry, our customers can reduce their carbon footprint and enhance energy efficiency. Our comprehensive support network provides reliable assistance throughout the lifecycle of our equipment, and our long-standing reputation for proven performance builds trust with customers seeking dependable and efficient solutions tailored to their needs.