1 | Challenge:
Decarbonising the forklift fleet
Travis Perkins plc, the UK's largest building materials distributor, serves trade customers large and small. The company plays a pivotal industry role, offering a wide range of products while pursuing ambitious decarbonisation targets. Initiatives like Project Switch position Travis Perkins as a leader in green solutions.
Travis Perkins plc, the UK's largest building materials distributor, provides trade customers with everything they need for their building projects, when and where they need it. To help drive sustainability in its operations, it was switching out its diesel forklift trucks - up to 1,100 - with electrics. This is the largest program of its kind; saving 6,600 tons of carbon a year, equivalent to the emissions of 4000 cars.
The project began in 2023 and was completed in mid-2024. The implementation of the new fleet is expected to reduce carbon emissions from vehicles and machinery by 27% by 2027. The introduction of electric forklifts has therefore become an integral part of the Travis Perkins Group’s decarbonisation strategy.
However, the scale of the fleet electrification undertaking at 440 locations across the UK required the support of the right technology partner who could deliver advanced solutions and effectively manage this complex process.
This is where HOPPECKE, which offers advanced energy storage and charging system solutions, joined the project, supporting Travis Perkins' long-term sustainability goals.
2 | Solution:
Energy and efficiency in sustainable development
As part of the ambitious Switch project, HOPPECKE has come up with state-of-the-art solutions to support Travis Perkins in its quest for sustainability.
trak | uplift air battery systems and high-frequency (HF) chargers are a key part of the range. These solutions have been carefully selected to fit perfectly with the company's goals of reducing emissions and optimising operating costs.
trak | uplift air system has been designed for maximum energy efficiency. Compared to traditional solutions, it significantly reduces energy consumption, which translates into a reduction in Travis Perkins' carbon footprint. This benefits the company's green operations and the savings associated with reduced energy costs.
An important feature of the HOPPECKE offering is the ability to programme HF chargers, allowing the use of cheaper energy during night-time hours. This functionality not only reduces the cost of powering a fleet of electric forklifts but also supports sustainability, in line with the company's environmental goals.
Minimising downtime in operations is another key element of this solution. HOPPECKE provides fast and efficient battery replacement processes, allowing the forklift fleet to operate continuously, eliminating long downtimes. This is crucial as it enables Travis Perkins to make a smooth transition from a diesel to electric fleet, without disrupting daily processes.
Furthermore, the innovative design of these systems not only enhances operational efficiency but also aligns with Travis Perkins' commitment to a sustainable future by enabling a seamless integration of renewable energy sources into their charging infrastructure.
The Switch project is an example of how large-scale integrated decarbonisation initiatives can be successfully implemented across complex, multi-site operations. By partnering with HOPPECKE, Travis Perkins has taken a significant step towards achieving its 1.5° carbon reduction targets, demonstrating the Group's commitment to decarbonising the built environment.
3 | Products
