Still's support for a tree-planting initiative was a key factor in securing an order for 57 electric forklifts.

Still and Hartmann formalise the order

Logistics service provider Hartmann International selected Still as its supplier not least because of an 'environmental bonus': sponsorship of 10 trees through the Plant-My-Tree project.

Sustainability and environmental compatibility of internal company processes have long been top priorities at the Paderborn-based Hartmann International GmbH. "We had ourselves certified according to DIN ISO 14001 very early on, making us one of the first four medium-sized companies in Germany to be awarded this environmental certificate," says Uwe Lachmann, managing director of the logistics service provider.

When it came to expanding the existing fleet of forklifts and replacing old equipment, the forwarding company got in touch with the Still branch in Hanover.

"We held very intensive negotiations with the people responsible at Hartmann. After all, we were talking about a potential new customer and an order volume totalling 57 trucks," recalls sales manager Sven Budelmann. "When towards the end of the negotiations we threw in 10 tree sponsorships as an environmental bonus, the deal was sealed. This was the crucial impetus for the company, which carries the idea of sustainability in its genes just as we do."

The order included various models in different versions and sizes which will be used at all of the group's locations in the future.

"We have replaced many existing forklift trucks with combustion engines with modern, electrically powered equipment," says Budelmann.