 PosiCharge-brand systems from AeroVironment Inc are being used by Nestlé. |
Fast-charge systems for forklifts are gaining visibility through a range of product purveyors and distributors.
PosiCharge-brand systems from AeroVironment Inc (AV) are installed now on more than 200 battery-powered materials handling units in 14 North American distribution centres and manufacturing facilities of Nestlé SA.
Locations include a state-of-the-art Anderson, Indiana beverage plant that has a sterile manufacturing environment and onsite computerised warehousing, says George Sheats, manager of operations and logistics procurement for Nestlé North America business services.
"We are eager to install additional PosiCharge systems in Anderson as well as in our Canadian distribution hub in Brampton, Ontario," notes Sheats. Vevey, Switzerland-based Nestlé SA competes globally in the nutrition, health and wellness markets.
Meanwhile, Monrovia-based AV and the WhiteWave business segment of Dean Foods Co will hold a 17 February ceremony recognising WhiteWave as the official PosiCharge launch customer for the fast-charger partnership
(Forkliftaction.com News #380) between AV and Toyota Material Handling USA Inc dealerships, says Ryan Gibson, manager of AV dealer development.
AV has installed 30 PosiCharge systems on WhiteWave forklifts, pallet jacks, reach trucks and narrow-aisle trucks in a City of Industry, California facility. During 2007, Dean Foods consolidated three operating units in establishing its WhiteWave platform for Dean's nationally branded products.
Toyota-Lift of Los Angeles Inc in Santa Fe Springs, California introduced AV and WhiteWave, says James Ramsey, WhiteWave logistics manager.
On 17 September, AV began instructing Toyota forklift dealers how to sell, install and service the PosiCharge line, notes John Kim, general manager for AV electric vehicle power systems. As schedules allow, AV trainers intend to roll out the program to each of the 68 authorised Toyota forklift dealerships with a total of 190 US locations through group events, joint sales calls and individual dealer meetings.
Beginning in 2000, AV installed fast-charge systems on equipment at Ford Motor Co, American Airlines and Continental Airlines. Installations at Ikea and Southwest Airlines began in 2005 and at Del Monte Foods in 2006.
AV staff members underscore productivity benefits. A PosiCharge system can eliminate the need for battery changing or storage, reduce workplace vehicle traffic volume and boost work environment health and safety conditions. Each AV PosiCharge system costs USD7,500 to USD10,000 per vehicle, depending on the model.
Other US-based suppliers of fast-charge systems include Power Designers USA LLC of Madison, Wisconsin and Aker Wade Power Technologies LLC of Charlottesville, Virginia.