EV Forklifts Driving Sustainability at Royal Containers
In July, a chapter quietly closed at Royal Containers, as the last propane forklift left our St. Thomas plant. Today, the St. Thomas facility operates with an all-electric fleet. This milestone is more than a swap of fuel types; it reflects our core values and our commitment to safety, innovation, and sustainability in action.
A Cleaner, Safer Way Forward
The first noticeable difference is the noise level on the production floor. Electric forklifts run substantially quieter than propane machines, which not only makes the building calmer but also improves how people work together. Spotter calls, horns, and safety alerts carry farther and clearer, reducing the chance of missed signals in busy aisles.
Air quality is another immediate improvement. With propane emissions removed from daily operations, the facility now provides cleaner air throughout, supporting the wellbeing of our team while allowing us to operate efficiently in every part of the plant.
Next-Level Safety with AI Vision
Safety has always been central to how we operate. Our new forklifts are equipped with state-of-the-art AI vision systems that detect pedestrians and obstacles in real time. When someone enters the detection zone, the truck automatically reduces speed, giving operators critical reaction time. It’s proactive protection designed to keep people safe in even the busiest environments.
Smarter Technology Behind the Wheel
The technology powering these forklifts is smarter, too. Onboard telematics have turned each truck into its own diagnostic terminal, logging performance data and simplifying compliance. Pre-operation checklists are now digital, impact alerts trigger automatic notifications, and maintenance shifts from a reactive to a predictive approach thanks to real-time insights.
With connected systems, our forklifts are not just machines but responsive tools that help the plant run more efficiently.
Sustainability at the Core
This transition is also a clear statement: sustainability drives our business decisions. By eliminating propane-powered forklifts, we’ve cut emissions and reinforced our commitment to reducing our environmental footprint. For our customers and partners, it’s proof that Royal Containers is serious about building a future where packaging leadership and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.
Leading the Industry by Example
For Royal Containers, this transition reflects the values that guide every decision we make. We Lead by adopting innovative technologies that set a new standard in our industry. We Perform by delivering consistent, efficient operations. We Care by creating safer, healthier workplaces for our employees. And We Respond by building resilience and agility into our systems. Our investment in electrification and advanced safety systems strengthens our position as a leader in the corrugated industry, proving that operational excellence and environmental responsibility aren’t competing priorities, they’re inseparable. By living our core values, we’re shaping a workplace that protects our people, serves our customers, and safeguards the planet.
One lift, one charge, one shift at a time, Royal Containers is driving toward a safer, smarter, and more sustainable future, starting at St. Thomas.
Interested in learning more about our sustainability initiatives or visiting the St. Thomas facility? We’d be happy to host you for a walkthrough.
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