Horticulture Sector
Being sustainable and a good global citizen will be fundamental to companies wishing to empower future employees and customers as more than a quarter of the population becomes Generation Z, or Gen Zers as they are often referred to.
Surpassing Millennials, Gen Zers behaviours and preferences will have a considerable impact on the horticulture sector, both as future employees and as potential customers and actions speak louder than words. The provision of Sustainable Pest Control and Sustainable Disease Control resonate with far more people as customers become increasingly aware of the impact they are having on the environment. Demonstrating your commitment to sustainability and climate change is therefore essential, and how you transport, load, unload and move your recycled planters, seed bombs and insect houses can be just one of many ways to highlight your drive to being a good global citizen and local employer and supplier.
According to Grant Handling, specialists in providing material handling solutions, they have observed an increase in the demand for lithium-ion battery powered forklifts and pallet trucks across all sectors, including the horticulture sector as customers switch to a cleaner and more sustainable electric solutions to moving product across their business.
‘When you rely on your forklift for loading, unloading and transporting goods over short distances, in warehouses or yards, you need maximum availability, reliability and convenience, and our customers are starting to see the benefits of the Heli range of Lithium-ion powered forklifts and pallet trucks’ says Duncan Harrison, Business Director at Grant Handling.
How will Lithium-ion powered equipment make your business more sustainable? “When it comes to energy efficiency, Lithium-ion batteries offer excellent performance. They have a longer life span, with over 75% capacity reserved after 4000 charge-discharge cycles and only loses 10-15% through heat, which helps keep running costs down. Lower noise pollution and zero emissions make it a better solution for the environment, a key driver for Gen Zers.”
In addition, the convenience and ease of charging Lithium-ion batteries ensures you keep running all day, with faster charging times and lower maintenance, it’s easy to see why so many businesses are switching to Lithium-ion.
The benefits to employees are also a key factor, according to Duncan, “Heli products are ergonomically designed to reduce physical and mental stress of the operator, at Grant and Heli we understand ‘people’ need to be at the forefront in any business decision, a sustainable and healthy workforce is therefore naturally efficient and empowered to support the business achieve its objectives.”
Making a commitment to introduce a Lithium-ion powered solution to your business requires some considerations, Grant Handling for example would recommend for low intensity operations, the compact Heli 4-wheel Lithium-Ion Counterbalance Forklift, as an ideal allrounder, it’s a benchmark for quality and value. Available in 1.5-1.8T capacities, with three configurations to match your application, it offers a performance comparable to internal combustion trucks, with zero emissions.
Easy to drive, comfortable and manoeuvrable, the Heli works effortlessly in tight spaces. Precise handling and intelligent steering with multiple speed modes ensures you get the job done efficiently. Onboard operator protection systems on the hydraulics and drive also ensure safer operation. Equipped with side shift as standard for faster and more accurate lifting and placement, with the versatile Heli Lithium Lite any attachment can be fitted to suit your needs.
