Reliance Transport, a specialist container cartage firm based in Wiri, is now operating New Zealand’s only all-electric reach stacker, with plans for more to come.
The business operates four Reach Stackers in total – all vital tools for the efficient operation of its container hub and storage facility for valued clients.
Until now every Reach Stacker in the country was diesel powered, but Reliance Transport has changed that as part of its vision to become a Carbon Zero operation by 2030.
Mark Darrah, director of the family business that has been around more than 60 years, says reducing their fuel costs and footprint alongside their responsibility to sustainable practice is a focus for the business’ next 60 years.
“We’re very aware we operate in a mixed-use urban area of Onehunga so we think that comes with a responsibility to see where we can reduce both our noise and air pollution.”
Portstar Machinery’s Ian Magee, the specialist importer of the Sany All-Electric Reach Stacker, says the machines can make a massive impact on a business in more ways than one.
“An average diesel Reach Stacker can burn through nearly 20 litres of fuel an hour with many of them operating up to 100 hours per week. So when you multiply that by a lifespan of up to 10 years you can really see the benefit of these electric models to a business’ bottom line and footprint.”
Darrah says Reliance Transport is in the second stage of Project Switch, its Carbon Zero journey, with more major announcements to come.