On October 7, 2024, Kalmar Corporation announced a pivotal collaboration with BlueScope, a renowned Australian steel producer. The agreement involves the supply of 13 forklift trucks to BlueScope’s Western Port steel processing facility, located in Hastings, Victoria. This substantial order marks a significant step in both companies' commitment to operational efficiency and sustainability.
The order consists of a diverse range of forklift trucks tailored to meet the specific needs of BlueScope's operations. It includes:
- Six Kalmar Light Electric Forklift Trucks: These trucks utilize advanced lithium-ion battery technology and have a lifting capacity of 7 metric tons.
- Two Kalmar Medium Forklift Trucks: Designed for versatility and efficiency in handling various materials.
- Five Kalmar Heavy Forklift Trucks: Built to manage heavier loads, ensuring robust performance in demanding environments.
All the equipment will be supplied under a fully maintained rental contract, which includes an eight-year Kalmar Complete Care service agreement. This service package ensures that the machines are maintained to the highest standards, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity.
The integration of both fuel-efficient diesel-powered and fully electric battery-powered machines from Kalmar represents a crucial advancement towards BlueScope's overarching goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This strategic move not only aligns with environmental standards but also enhances operational capabilities at the facility.
The forklift trucks ordered by BlueScope will feature specialized attachments designed for the safe handling of steel coils and sheet metal products. This focus on safety is complemented by a uniform cabin design across all equipment types, allowing operators to transition seamlessly between different machines without the need for extensive retraining.
To further support BlueScope’s operations, Kalmar will station two field technicians at the Western Port site throughout the duration of the contract. This proactive approach ensures that any maintenance or operational issues can be addressed promptly, enhancing the overall efficiency of the facility.
Sean Wong, Manager of the Western Port facility at BlueScope, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “At Western Port, we pride ourselves on creating, implementing, and upholding environmental standards that align with internationally recognized certifications, state government licenses, and local environmental programs. Adopting both fuel-efficient diesel-powered and fully electric battery-powered machines from Kalmar represents an important step towards BlueScope’s goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The cooperation with the Kalmar team has been exemplary from the start of the tender process, and we look forward to welcoming the machines to Western Port next year.”
Shane Brook, Key Account/Dealer Sales Manager at Kalmar Australia, highlighted the significance of the order, stating, “Decarbonization is a key part of BlueScope’s strategy. We were able to offer an eco-efficient equipment option to cover all their fleet needs and crystallize the total cost of ownership so that they could make the best possible decision in line with their business needs. We are confident that this order is the start of a long and successful collaboration with BlueScope at Western Port.”
