Independent logistics operator, Europa Worldwide Group, has once again called on Impact’s expertise to equip its new European 1hub with 15 electric 1.6 tonne forklift trucks, cementing a relationship that began more than a decade ago.

Europa’s 1hub is the UK’s largest European groupage hub where the business centralises all of its European road freight. The facility in Dartford, with a 25,000 pallet capacity, has also taken delivery of five ride-on pallet trucks, completing the order from the UK’s sole distributor of Cat® lift trucks.

Impact also worked with the company to install a purpose-built battery changing facility. The changing station houses spare batteries for the electric trucks, roller beds and a traffic light system that helps operators easily identify which batteries are ready for use. 

Joining a fleet of more than 50 forklifts, the new trucks will be in use 24 hours a day, seven days a week unloading domestic collections and loading them on to Europe-bound trucks as part of the cross-dock system in operation at the site.

Richard Cronk, Director of Europa’s Warehouse division says: “1hub is never off-duty and neither is our forklift fleet. It goes without saying that we can’t have a situation where a truck is down due to lack of charge. The new traffic light system in our battery changing facility means that this is easily avoided and our operators can immediately identify which battery to use, minimising downtime.”

Impact began working with Europa when its Northampton warehouse invited the company to tender for its materials handling requirements. Since then, due to the relationship with Impact staff, the quality of the product and ongoing support, Europa has entrusted the company to look after its entire materials handling fleet.

“The level of service the Northampton depot received from Impact impressed us. Impact knows us, understands our expectations and the quality of service we deliver and provides a solution that meets those exacting standards every time,” Cronk explains.

Proactive service and maintenance from Impact identifies and fixes any potential issues before they become a problem, helping Europa’s machines last longer, perform better and avoid unexpected downtime. A fully tailored service programme allows work to be scheduled and carried out during quieter periods.

Founded in 1966, Europa currently operates out of 11 sites across the UK, and offers dedicated road, warehouse, air & sea and showfreight services.