Jungheinrich's Food Logistics Innovation Cuts Costs & Carbon
In the face of mounting operational costs and environmental pressures, the global food distribution sector is grappling with supply chain disruptions, fluctuating fuel prices and strict carbon emission regulations.
Responding to these challenges, Jungheinrich, a noted intralogistics provider, has helped major UK food distributor JJ Foodservice to transform its warehouse operations.
This partnership puts into practice how advanced technology can tackle industry-wide issues, providing a model for sustainable and efficient food distribution on a global scale.
Transforming fleet efficiency
JJ Foodservice is a family-run business operating 12 branches across the UK. It needed to improve its fleet's efficiency and reduce its carbon footprint.
Jungheinrich rose to the challenge by supplying over 100 new trucks, including counterbalances (forklifts for heavy lifting), pallet movers (trucks for short-distance transport) and reach trucks (specialised for narrow aisles and high shelving).
The key innovation lies in the battery system. Each truck now uses a single battery that recharges during driver breaks, eliminating the need for battery changeovers.
This simple yet effective solution has halved the number of batteries required, significantly reducing operational costs and freeing up valuable warehouse space.
Jungheinrich's solution addresses more than just energy efficiency.
The new fleet features improved operator visibility systems, crucial for JJ Foodservice's double-deep racking system, which allows storage of pallets two deep per side, increasing warehouse capacity. Site-specific cameras with a range of lenses have been fitted to each truck, reducing rack and product damage.
The narrower design of the new trucks has also improved aisle clearance, particularly beneficial in cold storage areas, which has made a significant difference in protecting valuable stock and improving warehouse efficiency.
Jungheinrich making environmental impact
Environmental sustainability was a key driver for this partnership.
Jungheinrich's total cost of ownership assessment revealed each new truck saves over 1 kg of CO2 per week Over the contract term, this amounts to 1,027,925kg in CO2 savings.
The switch from gas-powered to electric trucks for counterbalance and power pallet operations is helping JJ Foodservice meet its sustainability goals.
While this case study focuses on JJ Foodservice, the implications extend to major food retailers and distributors worldwide that are facing similar challenges.
For instance, KFC and Taco Bell, the global fast-food giants and Pret A Manger, the international sandwich shop chain, work closely with Best Food Logistics, the supply chain solutions company to future-proof their supply chains.
Pret A Manger is providing a year-round fresh delivery solution to Pret shops and customers Best Food Logistics’ expertise.
Jungheinrich's innovative approach, combining lithium-ion technology with tailored solutions for specific operational needs, offers a model that can be adapted across the industry.
Its expertise in electromobility, developed over 65 years, positions it as a leader in sustainable intralogistics solutions.
Collaboration key to food industry sustainability
As the food distribution industry continues to evolve, partnerships like the one between Jungheinrich and JJ Foodservice will become increasingly crucial.
These collaborations not only drive operational efficiency but also contribute significantly to global sustainability goals.
Tom Gelderd, Key Accounts Manager, Jungheinrich UK, said: "JJ Foodservice was using a mix of gas and electric trucks," - "reducing the fleet's carbon footprint and optimising operational costs were key priorities, but logistics and health and safety were also big drivers of change".
Kaan Hendekli, Chief Operating Officer at JJ Foodservice, emphasised the importance of choosing the right partner for such transformations: "Every organisation needs to change; you can't stand still. And you need a partner who can support you in doing that. That takes great communication and good advice and that's what we've had from Jungheinrich."
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