West Yorkshire logistics specialist Joda Freight has invested more than \u00a3250,000 in green technology as it accelerates its sustainability strategy.<\/p>\n
The Keighley-based business has installed solar panels at its warehouse and replaced diesel-powered forklift trucks with electric models as part of a wider programme to reduce emissions across its operations.<\/p>\n
The investment marks the latest stage in the company’s sustainability journey, with further plans to introduce electric delivery vehicles later this year.<\/p>\n
The solar installation is being completed in two phases, with panels already fitted to half of the warehouse roof. The second phase will see the remaining roof covered and battery storage added, allowing excess electricity generated during the day to be stored and used to charge vehicles overnight.<\/p>\n
The company expects the completed system to generate enough renewable energy to power its entire fleet of electric forklifts each day.<\/p>\n
Joda Freight began transitioning from diesel to electric forklifts across three of its four sites, reducing emissions while helping to lower operating costs.<\/p>\n
Kieron Talbot-Sykes, operations director at Joda Freight, said: “As a company whose services rely on transport operations, we cannot fully eliminate diesel trucks, so our focus is on practical changes and efficiency improvements to reduce emissions wherever possible.<\/p>\n
“The solar panels generated more power than we used on their first day in situ, so we are confident that the project will significantly reduce our emissions.<\/p>\n
“Our customers, which include major supermarkets and high street brands, are increasingly requesting green solutions and that has encouraged us to trial and invest in sustainable solutions, including forklift trucks and electric vehicles.<\/p>\n
“We also use a sophisticated transport management system that generates reports for individual customers detailing their logistics carbon footprint, using accurate data rather than estimates.<\/p>\n
“All of these measures are enabling us to grow as a business by offering the best and most sustainable service for our customers.<\/p>\n
“That’s enabled us to achieve the strongest four months in the history of the company and we’re expecting to see that growth continue for the remainder of the year.”<\/p>\n
Founded 40 years ago, Joda Freight is a founding shareholder member of the Pallet-Track network and provides distribution services across the Leeds area.<\/p>\n
The company plans to add two rigid electric vehicles to its fleet later this year to support increasing pallet volumes through the network, extending its investment in low-emission transport.<\/p>\n
Stuart Godman, chief executive of Pallet-Track, welcomed the investment, saying: “We are delighted to see Joda Freight join us on our sustainability journey and to watch the company making serious investments to reduce its carbon output is wonderful.<\/p>\n
“Joda Freight is a very well-respected shareholder member of Pallet-Track and in addition to future-proofing their operations, their commitment to investing in green technology will benefit our entire pallet network which we thank them for.”<\/p>\n
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