Roof Tile Manufacturer Transitions to Fully Electric Forklift Fleet

(L-R) Chris Tonge, Area Sales Manager, Lansing Linde, and Andy Iliff, Assistant Works Manager, Russell Roof Tiles

Concrete roof tile manufacturer Russell Roof Tiles has invested £300,000 in four new electric forklift trucks, completing the transition to a fully electric forklift fleet at its Burton on Trent production unit.

The latest delivery replaces its last remaining four diesel forklifts at the company’s Nicolson Way site and marks an important milestone in its Environmental Improvement Plan to move away from fossil fuels and reduce its operational carbon footprint.

Supplied by longstanding partner Lansing Linde, the new trucks will also support continued manufacturing growth for the firm. Two smaller Linde ‘E’ range units will work inside the new factory, supporting the manufacture of the company’s Bute3^® tile. Two ‘X’ range trucks will support increased workloads following the £20m+ investment in manufacturing at the site.

Bruce Laidlaw, Operations Director at Russell Roof Tiles, commented: “This latest investment demonstrates our continued dedication to utilising more sustainable technology.  This builds on our electric forklift programme, which began in 2023 with almost £1 million invested in Linde ‘X’ range trucks across our two Burton and Lochmaben operations in Scotland.”

Fully Electric Forklift Fleet

With all forklifts at the Burton tile factory now electric, the manufacturer is working to replace its one remaining diesel piece of equipment with an electric alternative. Subject to securing suitable equipment, this could make all mobile plant at the site 100% electric by the end of 2026.

Russell Roof Tiles EV transition forms part of an environmental improvement strategy rolled out across the company’s sites, supporting its ambition to achieve Net Zero by 2040.

The Linde electric forklifts are an investment in the future of Russell Roof Tiles.

Alongside removing diesel exhaust emissions at the point of use, the latest trucks incorporate features designed to improve site safety, visibility and operator comfort. They are equipped with cutting-edge safety features, enhancing the wellbeing of its employees and ensuring a safe working environment. The new fleet will offer operators comfort and ease of use, leading to improved efficiency and productivity.

The latest purchase continues a relationship between Russell Roof Tiles and Lansing Linde spanning more than 30 years. Chris Tonge of Linde added, “It has been a pleasure to work with Russell Roof Tiles to specify the four new trucks, and work alongside Bruce and the team on their journey of decarbonisation.”

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