Family-owned Western Integrated Seed Inc plans during 2015 to switch to electric power for some of its materials handling equipment requirements.

As part of the infrastructure for a construction project, Western will incorporate electrical vehicle charging stations as a first step. "We are working with the electrician to put spots for charging stations in the warehouse," says Kelvin Whited, Western's business finance manager.

Bierman Contracting Inc of Columbus, Nebraska is installing a concrete floor and metal structure for primary use as a warehouse with some cold storage capability, says Jason Reiff, Bierman project manager. Ground was broken on 2 December. Completion is scheduled for mid-April. The project will also improve shipping, logistics management and office facilities.

Heubel Material Handling Inc of Omaha, Nebraska provides service for Western's current fleet of six propane-powered Toyota forklifts. Heubel represents the Raymond forklift line.

Western may start the process of phasing out of propane, with two electric-powered forklifts, and may retain some equipment with propane power, Whited says. "We do go outside on gravel for some of our operations."

Western Integrated employs 18 staff full-time and eight part-time, says Paul Robertson, operations manager. Moving toward electric forklifts is "a positive thing to do", Robertson says.

Western is adding 42,000 sqft. (3,902 sqm) of warehouse space including 11,000 sqft. (1,022 sqm) for cold storage. Including the expansion, Western will have more than 200,000 sqft. (18,580 sqm) for warehousing. The work includes new loading docks, a state-of-the art truck scale, offices and conference rooms.

Western Integrated Seed deals with contract seed production, conditioning, blending, treatment, shipping services and customised logistics. All of Western's seed production plots are irrigated. Western's in-house upgrades allow for state-of-the-art seed production.

Members of the H Chris Hoegemeyer family founded the independent firm in 1937. A grandson, Christian A Hoegemeyer, is now principal of Western Integrated Seed.