We've recently replaced four of our truck fleet with brand new vehicles - part of our ongoing programme to swap out older vehicles for trucks with the latest technology to drive forward with our sustainability credentials.
All four trucks are 18-tonne, twin-axle, curtain-sided Scanias boasting the latest Euro 6 diesel engines, meaning their exhaust emissions are as environmentally compliant as possible.
Most obvious of all however is they are the first 18-tonne vehicles to be kitted out with our new company branding. We've had new door vans recently and they've been given the new branding 'glow-up' but these trucks are very different, being fully coloured with liveried curtains, rear doors and cabs. After 14 years of the 'old' branding, these new trucks with their updated livery certainly stand out, making for a significant presence on the roads.
Since 1992, new vehicles have had to meet a certain Euro emissions standard when they are made, as part of the global strategy to improve air quality. As the name suggests, Euro 6 is the sixth - and latest - directive to help reduce the level of harmful pollutants produced by vehicles powered with diesel and petrol engines, and hybrids using petrol or diesel alongside an electric power unit.
![]()
Director Andy Evans, our fleet decision-maker, explains more: "Even though the Greater Manchester Clean Air Zone scheme with traffic charging has now been abandoned - in favour of a regional investment-led, non-charging Clean Air Plan, with bus fleet electrification, clean taxi upgrades and local traffic measures - we're continuing to replace older fleet vehicles with more efficient, up-to-date trucks.
"These brand new liveried trucks are not only a significant investment but they're also a commitment to our sustainability strategy as well as being a very visible presence on the road, a fantastic addition to our rebranding programme.
In addition to the new 18 tonne trucks, we've also just taken delivery of four brand-new electric forklift trucks, replacing four seven-year old gas-powered trucks.
We currently have 18 forklift trucks across our Oldham site, a mixture of different types, styles and capacities.
These new lithium battery forklift trucks have state-of-the-art energy systems that are not only highly efficient, but they also protect both people and the environment, being completely emission-free during operation, helping us maintain our sustainability targets.
![]()
Linde Material Handling’s lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery system is designed for electric forklift trucks and warehouse equipment, providing high energy efficiency, fast opportunity charging, and increased truck availability. Compared with conventional lead-acid batteries, the system offers lower maintenance requirements, eliminates battery watering and battery changes, and can improve overall energy efficiency by around 30% when used with Linde’s integrated charger and battery management system. Safety is enhanced through integrated battery management and robust battery protection features.
At the end of their service life, Linde supports battery recycling through a partnership with Li-Cycle. The recycling process can handle most lithium battery types, including damaged batteries, and recovers valuable materials such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, and other metals for reuse in new batteries. Linde states that up to 95% of battery metals can be recovered. In addition, batteries that no longer meet forklift performance requirements may be repurposed for second-life stationary energy storage applications before being recycled. This approach supports a circular economy and reduces the environmental impact of battery production and disposal.