M&S try hydrogen forklifts
United Kingdom
Marks and Spencer (M&S) has launched the inaugural trial of hydrogen-powered forklifts and other vehicles for transporting and loading goods at its distribution centres.
The retailer partnered with energy storage and clean fuel company ITM Power on a six-week pilot project at its 1.1 million sqft. (102,000 sqm) Prologis Park distribution centre in Bradford. The trial compares the performance of hydrogen-powered vehicles that can be refuelled onsite with M&S's existing battery-powered fleet.

Toyota's interactive tool measure savings
Irvine, CA, United States
Toyota Material Handling USA Inc (TMHU) has launched its Toyota Forklift Fuel Efficiency Calculator application to help users estimate their forklift fleet's fuel efficiency savings and performance.
The free app can be used on smartphones and tablets. It measures user-specific variables including fuel efficiency, run times per cycle and speed advantage per cycle. An online version is available via the company's website.

Unilift continues growing
Swansea, United Kingdom
Komatsu's main distributor in Wales, Unilift South Wales, is expanding into new premises.
According to South Wales Evening Post, Unilift, which was founded three years ago, has taken on new headquarters on Landore's Morfa Industrial Estate, which will more than double its storage, office and service areas. Managing director John Summons says Unilift has been able to survive and grow through maintaining high service standards and good customer relationships.

Lisman launches mobile website
IJsselstein, The Netherlands
Lisman has introduced a new mobile website in line with the latest trend of mobile phone usage in the industry.
Business development manager Loris Scarpa says statistics show that more and more materials handling professionals are using their smartphones as part of their daily jobs.
"They open their email and check the Internet while outside the office and they want a real-time experience. Lisman would like to start the 45th anniversary of Lisman with this new website, allowing all our customers with a smartphone to easily browse one of our machines while on the move." This website is compatible with all smartphones.

Forklift propane fumes impact 13 workers
Alma Centre, WI, United States
A mechanical leak in the propane tank system for powering a forklift has been blamed for carbon monoxide fumes impacting workers at Chippewa Bi Products near Alma Centre.
The fumes activated a carbon monoxide detector and prompted swift action.
The Jackson County emergency management office reports the fumes overcame the employees and resulted in unconsciousness for at least one person. The incident occurred mid-morning on 26 January.
Emergency responders transported 13 people for medical attention at Black River Memorial Hospital in Black River Falls, Wisconsin.
The site was thoroughly ventilated prior to reopening for operations.
Chippewa Bi Products was established in 2009.

Canada orders reach stackers for military
Bridgeview, IL, United States
Manitex International Inc reports receiving an order from Canada for reach stackers being produced at the company's CVS Ferrari srl subsidiary in Rovoleti di Cadeo, Italy near Milan. The quantity of units was withheld.
The order has a value of USD1.9 million including options for future deliveries and represents Manitex's first North American deal for work from the subsidiary. Bridgeview-based Manitex began renting the Italian operation from CVS Spa in July 2010 and acquired the assets effective 1 July 2011 through a Concordato Preventivo proceeding in a court in Piacenza, Italy.
Logistics facilities with the Canadian military forces in the province of Quebec will use the equipment. An appointed dealer within the network of subsidiary Manitex Liftking ULC will provide support.
Manitex anticipates beginning deliveries in mid-2012.

Forklifts sold in online liquidation auction
South El Monte, CA, United States
About 200 bidders participated in an online liquidation auction for the assets - including forklifts - of the bankrupt Burke Engineering Co in South El Monte.
Interest in thousands of lots "met expectations", says auctioneer Jeffrey Tanenbaum, president in Westlake Village, California of the remarketing services division of Tiger Capital Group LLC. The auctioneer placed an upfront value of USD2.5 million on the assets including materials handling, heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment.
Tanenbaum says a propane-powered Caterpillar model GC25 forklift with a 3,710 lb. (1,670 kg) lifting capacity sold for USD3,600 and a battery-powered Blue Giant model BGL22 narrow-aisle stacker with 2,200 lb. (990 kg) lifting capacity went for USD2,700. In addition, Tanenbaum reports sales of seven propane tanks for USD33 each and a forklift cage attachment for USD142.
A 15% buyers' premium was added to each selling price.
A bankruptcy court judge appointed Stapleton Group of Los Angeles, California to take control of remains of the Burke business in September. Stapleton assigned the disposition to Tiger relocation services.