GAP’s green forks lift KHS

8 June 2023

Working with GAP Hire Solutions, Kier Highways Solutions (KHS), a national surface treatments provider which is part of the Kier infrastructure group, has electrified its entire forklift fleet. 

This forms part of KHS’ efforts to embed sustainable practices throughout its operations, following an audit of Wymondham Plant, its bituminous materials manufacturing arm.

Located on a 7-acre site in Norfolk, the Wymondham facility produces thousands of tonnes of bituminous materials annually, and forklifts are an important part of its equipment fleet.

Switching from diesel to electric Baoli KBE52N models has eliminated fumes and carbon emissions. The 2.5-tonne machines are powered by a 48x625AH battery and have automatic electric braking when the accelerator is released. This enhances driver safety, and a regenerative braking system converts energy into electricity giving extra capacity.

The forklifts are expected to deliver annual carbon savings of up to 71270kg CO2e carbon equivalent, based on a typical 8-hour shift, the KHS fleet.

Neil Faulkes, Major Account Director at GAP, said: “Both Kier and GAP have been delighted with the build quality and operational longevity of the battery powered Baoli forklifts.”

Lee Draper, General Manager at KHS, added: “At Kier Highways, our sustainability strategy sets out how we plan to reach net-zero on our scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030. A key part of this is transitioning to alternative, non-fossil fuels across our fleet.

“This empowers all of us to look at how we do business, and make the necessary steps to reduce our environmental impact, while ensuring the same quality product. We’re pleased that GAP could support us to find a solution with considerable long-term carbon savings,” he added.