For glass and ceramic distributors, forklifts, pallet jacks, and yard tractors are the quiet workhorses of your operation—but they’re also a significant source of Scope 1 emissions. Electrifying material handling equipment (MHE) is one of the most immediate and visible steps a facility can take toward sustainability—and it pays off faster than many realize.
What Counts as MHE
Forklifts (Class I, II, III)
Pallet jacks
Order pickers
Tow tractors
Yard trucks and small fleet vehicles
Traditionally powered by propane, diesel, or natural gas, many of these are now available in fully electric models—without sacrificing performance.
Benefits of Electrification
Zero On-Site Emissions
Reduces CO₂, NOx, and PM emissions in enclosed facilities
Helps meet Scope 1 reduction targets
Lower Operating Costs
Electricity is often cheaper than propane or diesel on a per-hour basis
Less maintenance: no spark plugs, filters, or fuel systems
Improved Indoor Air Quality
Especially important in ceramic plants where materials already generate airborne dust
Qualifies for Incentives
State and federal programs (e.g., CARB, NYSERDA, Canadian Clean Technology Program) offer rebates for electric MHE conversion
Challenges and Planning
Charging Infrastructure: Requires dedicated circuits and overnight charging space
Power Load Planning: Especially in facilities with electric kilns
Cold Weather Performance: Battery ranges drop at low temps—plan accordingly
Implementation Strategy
Conduct a fleet audit: age, usage hours, fuel cost, downtime
Prioritize replacements for high-hour, high-maintenance units
Install Level 2 or fast DC chargers in dock areas
Train operators on battery maintenance and charging habits
Distributor Tie-In
If you’re a distributor with on-site logistics, this is low-hanging ESG fruit. Share emissions reductions with customers in Scope 3 reporting, and highlight your electrified fleet as part of your ESG summary during RFPs.
