Ford uses 40 Kalmar electric forklifts in five European factories.

Kalmar has received an order from Ford for 14 new compact ECD70-6C electric forklifts, adding to the company's existing fleet of 40 Kalmar forklifts.

The new machines will enter service in the new year at Ford's sites in Valencia and Cologne, Germany. Several modifications were made to the forklifts to meet Ford's requirements, said Kalmar Industrial Systems sales and marketing vice-president Mikael Rietz.

Ford, a Kalmar customer since 1989, needed a compact machine for narrow aisles, so Kalmar, using special tyres and a lead-filled counterweight, reduced the machines' overall length by 45cm. Flashing reverse lights, reverse cameras and ultrasound sensors were also added.

There was a great demand for electric forklifts in environments were emissions requirements were stringent, such as in indoor locations, Rietz said. Kalmar would not reveal the value of the contract.

To attain maximum loads of 7t and 9t at 600 mm LSP, the counterweights on the Kalmar forklifts are leaded.

"We see clear growth potential for electric trucks, growth that will undoubtedly be spurred on by the launch of new models. Kalmar is particularly strong with larger trucks," he said.

"Demand is coming primarily from the warehouse handling sector where electric trucks are (preferred) due to their elimination of exhaust emissions and noise."

Ford uses Kalmar forklifts for internal transportation in five European factories, and has a fleet of 40 Kalmar electric forklifts.