Boxtel, 20 January 2022 – Vion is taking steps to make its logistics processes more sustainable. The next step is the deployment of three fully electric terminal tractors. These vehicles ensure that the shunting of the refrigerated trailers on the grounds of the production location in Boxtel will be 100% emission-free from now on. The three units of these innovative terminal tractors, of which only a few are in operation in the Netherlands, were recently deployed.
After already increasing the sustainability of its fleet, including the use of fully electric refrigerated trailers in which meat is transported, Vion is now taking the next step by putting electric terminal tractors into operation in Boxtel. This is in line with Vion’s Corporate Social Responsibility policy.
Reorganisation
The three electric terminal tractors move the refrigerated trailers on the Vion Boxtel site and replace 12 diesel terminal tractors. At the same time as the expansion of the production location in Boxtel, the entire outdoor area was reorganised. Erik Helmink, Plant Manager Vion Boxtel: ‘‘We also looked for a more efficient and sustainable way to organise the outdoor area. To this end, we started talking to our supplier Toyota Material Handling Netherlands and its subsidiary Vitesse Vorkheftrucks was able to supply these three electric terminal tractors, which are unique in the Netherlands. The terminal tractors were specially built for this purpose by Terberg in Benschop (NL). Unfortunately, the delivery time was slightly longer due to corona, but all three have now been put into operation.’’
More sustainable logistics process
The electric terminal tractors make Vion’s logistics process more sustainable. By switching to electric, there are no CO2 emissions and noise is greatly reduced because the new terminal tractors are low-noise. This also has positive effects on the surrounding area.
More efficient planning is now possible as well. Previously, the diesel terminal tractors remained coupled to the trailer on site, but that is no longer necessary. The trailers can now be safely uncoupled on so-called trailer trestles. These ensure that trailers can be safely loaded by a forklift truck, also electric, while they are uncoupled. The more efficient planning means that drivers do not have to keep getting in and out of terminal tractors throughout the working day, which is an improvement from an ergonomic perspective. Having fewer terminal tractors on site also contributes to safety.
Vion
Vion is an international food company with production locations in the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium, as well as sales support offices in 13 European countries, China/Hong Kong and Singapore. In 2020, Vion had a turnover of €4.9 billion, employing 12,000 staff.