The R1020EX battery-powered forklift.

Macneill Engineering Ltd has secured a RS83.0 million (USD1.9 million) order for 54 of its new, battery-powered forklifts from Larsen & Toubro (L&T) for use by the Indian Oil Corporation at its purified terephthallic acid (PTA) plant at Panipat.

The R1020EX forklifts, which have a capacity of 1.5 tons and a lift height of 3,658mm, are a new class of forklifts manufactured by the Indian company for use in zone 22 hazardous areas.

According to company director Gaurav Churiwal, Macneill is the only company in India and south east Asia to manufacture forklifts that can be used in hazardous areas.

The new product, manufactured on the outskirts of Calcutta, was developed to meet the guidelines of the Central Mining Research Institute (CMRI).

"Each forklift is certified by the CMRI, situated at Dhanbad, for safe operation in hazardous areas," Churiwal said.

"L & T, turn-key contractor for the PTA plant of the Indian Oil Corporation, has ordered the forklifts for storage and handling of PTA bags in hazardous zone 22 areas," he said.

Headquartered in Bishnupur, West Bengal, Macneill manufactures electric and diesel forklifts and other industrial materials handling equipment in the light-to-medium range, under the brand name Macneill.

Macneill's customers include Indian Airlines, Proctor & Gamble, Whirlpool and Hindustan Lever.