The food processing operations market in Europe, was valued at approximately $36.62 billion in 2023. From transporting raw ingredients to manoeuvring finished goods through cold storage and packaging zones, Yale® forklifts and warehouse equipment play a pivotal role in keeping food operations moving.
Operating forklift trucks in food environments comes with a unique set of challenges. Strict hygiene standards, temperature extremes, potential for spoilage, and the need for precision in confined spaces are all important factors. Different sectors within the food processing industry also present their own specific challenges. Here is how Yale® materials handling solutions can help to overcome them.
The delicate balance of handling fruits and vegetables
One of the challenges when handling fresh produce in a food processing operation is the delicate nature of fruits and vegetables, which are prone to bruising, spoilage, and rapid deterioration. Correct temperature control during storage and transport is also key to maintaining freshness and extending shelf life. The need for efficient and hygienic practices to avoid contamination further complicate material handling logistics.
Produce needs to be handled quickly, efficiently, and carefully. The compact Yale MSC12 electric stacker can help heighten control, precision, and accuracy, with features such as proportional lifting to help reduce shocks and vibrations and support smooth operation. With in-built lithium-ion technology, the Yale MSC12 stacker also offers a cost-effective and flexible solution.
Meeting strict hygiene standards handling meat and poultry
Meat processing and meatpacking operations must handle heavy, perishable raw products that require precise temperature control to maintain freshness. To protect food quality and safety and to prevent contamination, materials handling in meat and poultry processing requires strict hygiene standards and specialised equipment.
The Yale MP16-22 pedestrian pallet truck can be specially engineered for this type of harsh environment, for example. This solution, alongside selected other lift trucks, can be customised with impermeable materials and galvanised metal. Galvanised steel protects against corrosive environments. It also eliminates the chance of paint chips or flakes during food handling, and allows for frequent wash-downs.
Temperature controlled handling of dairy products
Because of the perishable nature of dairy products, operations must maintain strict temperature control for food safety and to prevent spoilage. Materials handling requires the adherence to strict hygiene standards at every step to avoid contamination. Due to a relatively short shelf life, effective logistics and timely transportation are also crucial to the freshness and safety of dairy products.
To help transport dairy products quickly between different temperature-controlled environments, the multifunctional Yale MO20-30X Order Picker Pallet Truck enables operators to load and unload refrigerated trucks swiftly. As well as performing typical warehouse tasks. This versatility helps to minimise the time products spend outside of ideal temperature conditions.
For operations with cold store warehouses or for prolonged usage in sub zero temperatures, Yale MR14-25 reach trucks can also be specified for cold store operations. These trucks feature an enclosed cab for driver comfort with a range of heating options, as well as cold-resistant and waterproof cables and components to meet the challenges of temperature-controlled warehouses.
Bulk handling of grains and cereals
Because of their bulk nature, grains and cereals require efficient storage, transportation, and precise handling to prevent contamination, spoilage, and pest infestation. Achieving consistent quality from milling to packaging requires the right materials handling equipment to prevent breakage. Dust control is also a significant concern, as grain mills produce fine particles that can pose safety and environmental risks.
The motor of the Yale ERP2.2-3.5N Series N electric lift truck features an IP67 rating, because the trucks’ drive axles are protected against dust, dirt and water, both indoors and outdoors. Its customer-driven design also means it is also possible to customise the specification, matching the forklift to the specific needs of the individual operation.
Managing the contamination risk when handling seafood
In seafood processing, immediate and strict temperature control is essential to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage of the perishable product. Diligent and efficient materials handling is essential. Seafood is highly sensitive to damage and contamination, and therefore requires rigorous hygiene practices and specialist equipment for handling, sorting and packaging to help protect food safety. This includes galvanised equipment that is resistant to corrosion and rust. Additionally, many seafood products are processed in varying forms, such as fresh, frozen, or canned, each requiring different handling procedures.
In addition to specially engineered galvanised trucks, seafood processing operations can find clean and productive energy with lithium-ion powered materials handling equipment. Lithium-ion battery powered options from Yale include the MSC12 compact electric stacker, the Series N electric lift truck, and the compact MPC15 lithium-ion powered pallet truck.
Lithium-ion trucks generate zero harmful carbon emissions while in operation or charging, and require no battery maintenance, eliminating the chance of acid spills. What’s more, the charging flexibility removes the need for redundant batteries and the stable voltage reduces truck component wear.
Choose food-grade lift truck lubricants
All food processing operations must take hygiene seriously or risk contamination, regardless of which type of forklift or materials handling equipment are in use. Utilising food-grade lubricants around consumable products helps reduce the possibility of contamination, which could otherwise result in fines, product recalls, and batch discards. Or in the worst case, could endanger consumer health and cause related lawsuits, affecting brand and company reputation.
Yale dealers can advise on a choice of lubricants for your materials handling fleet, including those that are optimal for use in clean food processing or storage environments.
Discover food processing forklifts and warehouse trucks
Yale Lift Truck Technologies has a wide selection of lift trucks and solutions that are ideally suited to help food processing operations take control. Ask your local Yale dealer today about materials handling solutions to meet the needs of your particular food processing operation, including specially engineered solutions.
*Based on internal measurements between the two mast channels compared to the Linde E3.0, TCM/CAT/Mitsubishi FHB25 and Toyota 9FMB25T. Measurements taken in March 2023.
