When it comes to fast-paced, high-volume food production, few pieces of equipment impact efficiency, hygiene, and staff productivity as much as the electric pallet truck. Across Ireland and Northern Ireland, food manufacturers are rapidly transitioning away from manual pallet trucks and outdated diesel handling equipment, not just for sustainability reasons but for performance, reliability, and long-term cost savings.
Recently, Clearlift Material Handling delivered a full fleet upgrade to Cranswick Country Foods PLC in Ballymena, one of Northern Ireland’s leading food producers. Among their new electric equipment was the powerful EP Equipment KPL201 Electric Ride-On Pallet Truck, a perfect example of what modern electric pallet truck solutions can offer Irish and NI facilities.
This article explores why the demand for electric pallet trucks in Ireland is growing faster than ever, how these machines improve workflow and safety, and what food manufacturers should know before making the switch.
What Is an Electric Pallet Truck?
An electric pallet truck is a battery-powered alternative to manual pallet jacks, providing operators with:
- powered lifting
- powered movement
- reduced physical strain
- faster pallet transport
- higher productivity in warehouse and production lines
In markets like Ireland where labour shortages, sustainability pressure, and rising demand in food production are increasing, electric pallet trucks have become essential.
Learn more about our full range of equipment here:
👉 Warehouse Equipment – Electric Pallet Trucks & Stackers
Case Study: Delivering the KPL201 to Cranswick Country Foods, Ballymena
Clearlift Material Handling recently delivered a batch of new lithium-powered warehouse equipment to Cranswick’s Ballymena site, including the EP KPL201 Electric Ride-On Pallet Truck which is one of the most advanced and efficient models in the food production industry.
Food producers rely on accuracy, hygiene, and timing. The KPL201 is engineered for all three.
Below are the specific features that make this machine the ideal electric pallet truck for Ireland’s food sector.
1. Ride-On Efficiency for Fast, Long-Distance Travel
Large production sites require constant pallet movement between:
- preparation rooms
- chill stores
- blast freezers
- packing lines
- despatch areas
The KPL201’s ride-on platform significantly reduces operator fatigue and dramatically increases pallet throughput — especially on long routes.
2. 2.0-Tonne Capacity for Heavy, Sensitive Loads
In meat, dairy, beverage and prepared food production, pallets are often:
- heavy
- temperature-sensitive
- fragile
- tightly packed
The KPL201 offers 2,000kg capacity with smooth, controlled power delivery that reduces product damage and improving workflow consistency.
3. Zero-Emission Lithium Power (Ideal for Food Environments)
Lithium-ion technology has become the gold standard for electric pallet trucks in Ireland, primarily due to:
- zero emissions
- no acid spills
- no fumes
- better hygiene compliance
- suitability for cold storage
- 3–4× longer lifespan than lead-acid
Food environments require clean, safe, contamination-free equipment and electric pallet trucks meet those demands perfectly.
Curious why so many businesses are switching?
👉 Why Switch to Electric
4. Compact & Agile in Tight Production Areas
Food factories often contain:
- narrow corridors
- busy packing rooms
- tight turning zones
- shared spaces with operators on foot
The KPL201’s compact chassis allows precise movement where larger equipment cannot operate safely.
This is particularly important in:
- chilled rooms
- boning halls
- butchery lines
- blast chill areas
5. Opportunity Charging for 24/7 Production
Food production rarely stops. Shifts, washdowns and changeovers run continuously throughout the day.
Lithium-powered electric pallet trucks like the KPL201 allow:
- quick top-up charging during breaks
- no battery swaps
- no performance drop-off
- full multi-shift operation
This reduces downtime and labour disruption which is a major advantage for high-output factories.
Why Food Producers in Ireland Should Switch to Electric Pallet Trucks
Here are the core reasons behind the rapid growth in demand across Ireland & Northern Ireland:
✔ Lower long-term operating costs
Electric pallet trucks cost significantly less to:
- run
- maintain
- service
- fuel
✔ Better for hygiene & compliance
No exhaust fumes or oil means safer operation in food-grade facilities.
✔ Reduced physical strain on workers
Electric power eliminates the heavy manual force required with hand pallet trucks.
✔ More sustainable operation
Zero-emission electric handling supports ESG and environmental targets.
✔ Stronger reliability in cold storage
Lithium units operate consistently at low temperatures unlike lead-acid alternatives.
Choosing the Right Electric Pallet Truck in Ireland
Whether you operate a small food production unit or a large-scale manufacturing facility, choosing the right pallet truck is essential.
Clearlift Material Handling supplies a full range of lithium-powered equipment, including:
- walkie electric pallet trucks
- ride-on pallet trucks
- high-speed logistics models
- pallet movers for cold storage
- automated pallet movers (XP15)
See the full range:
👉 Electric Pallet Trucks & Warehouse Equipment
Supporting Food Production Across Ireland & Northern Ireland
From Ballymena to Dublin, Limerick, Cork and Derry, Clearlift supports food producers with modern, efficient electric handling solutions.
We provide:
- fast delivery
- expert consultation
- lithium-ion product knowledge
- dedicated aftersales support
- equipment tailored to food-grade environments
Whether you’re upgrading from manual pallet trucks or replacing diesel units, Clearlift Material Handling can help you choose the right electric pallet truck in Ireland to meet your operational needs.
Final Thoughts
Electric pallet trucks are a key driver of efficiency, safety and sustainability in modern food production.
The delivery of the EP KPL201 to Cranswick demonstrates how leading manufacturers are already embracing the future of handling technology.
If your operation is ready to transition to cleaner, faster and more reliable equipment, our team is here to help.
👉 Talk to us about electric pallet truck solutions
sales@clearlift.ie | Portadown 028 3833 7038 | Dublin 01 5267 411
