The UK Material Handling Association (UKMHA) has honoured HUBTEX with an Archie Award this year.

The HUBTEX PhoeniX electric multidirectional sideloader won in the “Operational Efficiency” category. At a manufacturer of plastics and polymer solutions, the truck delivered higher efficiency, ergonomic improvements and a more sustainable specification. For more than 30 years, the award has recognised companies, teams and individuals who advance materials handling through innovative solutions.

HUBTEX impressed the UKMHA jury in Birmingham with a concrete use case in the “Operational Efficiency” category: at an international plastics and polymer producer, the PhoeniX electric multi-directional sideloader transports profile racks up to six metres long with ease in aisles just 2.02 metres wide, significantly improving the overall flow of goods. Equipped with a sensor-based Aisle Entry Assist and the HUBTEX Load Manager, the truck achieved a marked efficiency gain and substantial cost savings for the customer. Without increasing headcount, more than 1,600 working hours per year were recovered while reducing strain on the workforce.

In day-to-day operation, the sensor-based Aisle Entry Assist enables semi-automated, precise and rapid entry into narrow racking aisles. By eliminating time-consuming manoeuvring, up to ten seconds can be saved per movement, which consistently boosts throughput and overall material flow — with fewer staff. The integrated Load Manager further improves accuracy when handling long and heavy loads. Thanks to pre-programmed heights and storage locations, the truck automatically travels to the required rack level at the push of a button, saving valuable seconds otherwise spent on fine adjustment during storage and retrieval. It also virtually eliminates damage to the vehicle, load and racking. This level of semi-automation, combined with the truck’s intuitive operation, delivers another benefit: onboarding time for new employees drops from three months to just two weeks — an 85% reduction. For the customer, that means a faster ROI on new team members, seamless shift handovers and continuous operational readiness. 

Resource-efficient and powerful

The PhoeniX also proved itself on sustainability. Modern lithium-ion technology and the switch to electric power steering cut total energy consumption in operation by 20%. The batteries feature intelligent intermediate charging, enabling a charge from 30% to 80% in just 30 minutes. This eliminates time-consuming battery changes and ensures continuous operation. At the same time, the customer reclaimed valuable space previously reserved for spare battery storage — space that can now be used more productively. 

“This award is a special endorsement for us. With this application example, we demonstrate that our vehicles not only make processes faster, safer and more sustainable, but also deliver a measurable and flexible competitive edge,” says Michael Röbig, Head of Product Management at HUBTEX.

About HUBTEX Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG

The HUBTEX Group — comprising HUBTEX Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG, Genkinger GmbH, stabau GmbH and DIMOS Maschinenbau GmbH — employs more than 1,100 people worldwide. HUBTEX Maschinenbau is the international leader in multi-directional forklifts, sideloaders, order pickers, custom-built industrial trucks and special-purpose vehicles for transporting long, heavy and bulky goods. They are used to ensure efficient material flow and handling in the narrowest aisles at manufacturing and trading companies. Comprehensive consulting, global service and a strong track record of innovation set HUBTEX apart. With 520 employees at its Fulda headquarters, the company offers the right solution for every requirement: from entry-level models and mature series vehicles to bespoke special developments.