MAT produces specialists parts like axle stubs

Leading manufacturer of cast and machined products MAT Foundry Group UK has announced its move to lithium-ion.

Consisting of eight companies and stretching across three continents, the MAT Foundry Group's seven foundries produce over 350,000 T of iron per year, maintaining 10 machining facilities across Europe, Asia, Central and North America in one of the world's biggest manufacturers of car parts.

MAT subsidiary Eurac Poole started using a combination of diesel and electric Jungheinrich trucks three years ago.

Going forwards, the group will invest in electric forklifts as one of its green initiatives designed to improve its wider environmental efforts. In a bid to reduce MAT Foundry's carbon footprint and work towards its sustainability goals, the move to lithium-ion trucks will create a cleaner atmosphere for workers, removing 279 T of Co2 and reducing diesel consumption by as much as 60,000 l.

Shaun Lindfield, commercial director at MAT Foundry Group UK, comments: "We are thrilled to integrate a fully electric fleet into our warehouse in January 2022. The desire for an efficient and more flexible fleet is paramount in our 24/7 operations. We currently use hydrostatic diesel, but many retailers have stopped producing this, accelerating our move to lithium-ion and further allowing us to increase our commitment to sustainability initiatives."

Phil Pearson, director - region two at Jungheinrich UK, notes that MAT Foundry Group is a leader in engineering and manufacturing that requires a flexible, efficient and reliable fleet.

The new fleet consisting of five EFG 425k, two EFG 535k and two EFG S50 forklifts will be deployed in January 2022.