UgoWork secures $22.8M to scale connected Energy as a Service solutions for industrial vehicles
UgoWork™, a provider of flexible Energy as a Service (EaaS) solutions for industrial vehicles, announced the closing of its all-equity $22.8M Series B financing. This round was led by Fonds de solidarité FTQ, with participation from Export Development Canada (EDC), and existing UgoWork investors Desjardins Capital and Investissement Québec. Proceeds from series B will be used to accelerate the development efforts of its software and artificial intelligence platform, enabling the Energy as a Service program for its lithium-ion battery lineup. It will also be used to grow sales, and expand its distribution footprint to meet fast-growing international demand. In an unprecedented global context whereby supply chains, labor shortage, and energy efficiency are top concerns, industrial fleet operators are continuously looking for innovative solutions to navigate this new reality. UgoWork’s cutting-edge battery technology and connected platform empower operators to make data-driven decisions to increase output, optimize resources, and take a step towards a zero-carbon footprint. Its Energy as a Service subscription model reduces upfront costs for faster deployment and enables customers with access to the latest technology, connected platform, and best-in-class support and updates. “We warmly thank both our existing and new partners who understand that we are a pioneer in the electrification of industrial vehicles,” said Philippe Beauchamp, UgoWork’s CEO. “We have ambitious goals and aggressive targets to expand internationally with major Fortune 500 customers. Already, we have set high expectations in the market thanks to the performance, innovation, and unprecedented business value our solutions offer. We are delighted to have new partners to support us in the next stage of our growth and we are thrilled to create many high-quality jobs in the process.” “UgoWork’s innovative solutions perfectly fit into the concept of a circular economy. This is one of the reasons why we are very proud to continue our support for this company,” says Marie-Hélène Nolet, Chief Operating Officer of Desjardins Capital. Its founders were pioneers in 2015 by developing a unique technology and business model that has proven to be successful. The demand for UgoWork’s solution is growing rapidly and we are confident that the team in place will be able to achieve the growth that will allow them to take a leading position in the market.” ’’UgoWork stood out for us by its leadership, its desire to innovate, and its international reputation. The development of their artificial intelligence and their latest technological advances impressed us. The Fonds believes in UgoWork and will always be there to support and advise the Quebec City-based company in its next steps of growth, regarding both technology and exports’’, said Philippe P. Huneault, Vice-President, Private Equity and Impact Investing – Technology and Fund Management, and Chief International Business Development Officer at the Fonds de solidarité FTQ. This is Investissement Québec’s second round of all equity funding with UgoWork, a testament to the tremendous market opportunity in the company’s solutions and the confidence the portfolio holders have for its future. “We are proud to reiterate our support in UgoWork in order to enable it to continue developing its expertise and to propel its growth. UgoWork solutions help support our companies in their efforts to reduce their environmental footprints and promote our energy transition. Investissement Québec embraces its role in helping Québec to become a leader in the green economy, and this intervention ideally serves that purpose” says Guy LeBlanc, President and CEO of Investissement Québec.
Episode 332: Green Cubes Technologies
On this special episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, we get an education on Lithium 101 with Robin Schneider, Director of Marketing at Green Cubes Technologies. Green Cubes is a power technology provider for customer OEM batteries, batteries for stationary equipment like data centers, and the motive business that makes batteries and chargers for material handling equipment and ground support equipment you would find at airports. If you are curious about lithium-ion batteries and what they can do for warehouses and material handling operations, you will want to tune in. Key Takeaways Green Cubes Technologies introduced its Lithium Safe Flex brand ten years ago to replace lead-acid batteries. This past year, it introduced chargers, making them the only company producing batteries and chargers in the warehouse and material handling market. The chargers are unique as they are high frequency and high efficiency while also being the smallest and lightest charger on the market. With warehouse space being as limited as it is, the ability to mount a smaller charger and not take up valuable warehouse space is advantageous. Robin shares what makes lithium-ion batteries tick as well as why they make so much sense for the material handling environment. Lithium-ion batteries have a lower total cost of ownership compared to traditional lead-acid batteries, thanks to fast charging times, little or no maintenance, and can operate three shifts a day for about ten years. As Robin points out, lead is not great for the environment and requires all sorts of infrastructure investments like eye wash and spill stations. From a sustainability standpoint, lithium-ion batteries provide a more environmentally friendly solution than lead-acid. Green Cubes uses a more environmentally friendly chemical composition called lithium-iron phosphate batteries. For companies looking to transition to lithium-ion batteries, Robin suggests starting with a power study that analyzes equipment usage and operations to understand the benefits better and cost savings. The higher the equipment usage, say three shifts, the faster companies will see a return on investment (ROI). Robin suggested that customers who are curious about the ROI for their operation can use the ROI calculator provided by Green Cubes. Robin believes there are tremendous opportunities for the lithium-ion market. One of the most exciting benefits is how intelligent the batteries are and the ability to add IoT devices for utilization and tracking of right-size material handling equipment needs. In addition, monitoring battery performance and finding out who isn’t charging their batteries when they should. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 332: Green Cubes Technologies
Stryten Energy Components division launched to serve the battery industry’s growing need for engineered components
The Division provides the Plastic Injection Molded Battery Components and Terminals critical to the growth of U.S. Energy storage manufacturing capabilities Stryten Energy LLC, a U.S.-based energy storage solutions provider, announced at AAPEX 2022 the launch of Stryten Energy Components. This new division provides engineered-to-order battery components for lead, lithium, flow, and other emerging battery technologies for the automotive and industrial markets. “Stryten Energy’s Components division has invested in automation in each of our four facilities to enhance quality, productivity, and service to all of our customers,” said Jeremy Furr, Components Division Leader for Stryten Energy. “These investments have helped us scale up our operations to provide the U.S.-manufactured and sourced components required for the emerging domestic battery market.” Stryten Energy Components provides quality, cost-effective, engineered plastic components from natural and recycled polypropylene, including battery containers, covers, vents, handles and terminal protectors. Its cold-formed lead battery terminals are designed to prevent corrosion and utilize a patented SuperLock terminal to provide superior sealing. Value-added technical services and expertise help customers with product development, design, mold making, and injection molding processing. “We have seen an increase in market demand for critical battery components in the U.S. and internationally,” said Furr. “We are continuing to invest in our Stryten Energy Component plants to expand our product offering and the availability of our products to serve international customers.” Stryten Energy Components includes a combination of the company’s and its subsidiaries’ existing custom plastic injection molded battery component operations with the recent acquisition of Tulip Richardson Manufacturing’s plastic injection molding, lead terminal, and reprocessed polypropylene operations. The division has manufacturing facilities in Lampeter, PA; Columbus, IN; Niagara Falls, NY; and Milwaukee, WI.
CALSTART research forecasts strong growth in zero-emission off-road equipment
CALSTART has collaborated with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) on a market readiness and technological status assessment of zero-emission off-road equipment CALSTART, a global non-profit focused on clean energy and transportation, has released the results of a new research project that gives a wide-ranging technology and market assessment of zero-emission off-highway equipment. This research was conducted in partnership with Interact Analysis to support the California Air Resource Board’s Long-Term Heavy-Duty Investment Strategy, including the Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project (CORE), and shows how off-highway equipment lags behind on-highway equipment in terms of electrification despite concerns over public health and greenhouse gas emissions. The analysis finds that off-road equipment electrification is progressing rapidly, with over 200 electrified equipment models currently available on the market across eight distinct off-road categories. Several categories, such as light forklifts, airport ground-support equipment, yard trucks, and transportation refrigeration units, are classified as technologically mature, meaning that only market barriers stand in the way of widespread deployment. Furthermore, technological progress in these segments is helping to transition the mining, rail, cargo-handling, marine, and agriculture sectors. Construction equipment is primed for fast growth in electrification. There are various reasons for this, including the compactness of many construction machines and the proximity of many construction sites to the electrical infrastructure necessary for recharging this equipment. For example, sales of battery electric mini-excavators accounted for 5% of the total U.S. market in 2021 and are projected to account for 15% of the market by 2029. By contrast, the electrification of agricultural machinery is a much more difficult challenge, partly due to the need to operate in remote locations. Two of the most successful segments have been forklifts and underground mining equipment, where the deployment of electrified machinery is already widespread due to the need for these machines to operate in enclosed environments where exhaust fumes are a health concern. The report argues that mining companies need to more rapidly electrify other categories of equipment to meet the environmental goals that they themselves have set. It also points out that beyond the air quality and associated health and financial benefits of eliminating exhaust fumes, there are additional benefits to electrification in mining, such as higher low-end torque, which offers greater hauling power at low speeds. Meanwhile, in forklifts, the big story is the battle between lead acid and Li-ion batteries. Currently, the market is 80/20 in favor of lead acid. By 2030, it is projected to be 30/70 in favor of Li-ion. “Going forward, electrification of the largest off-road equipment will be challenging. Nevertheless, significant progress is being made,” said Jacob Whitson, Program Manager at CALSTART. “Some of the largest equipment is produced in small enough volumes that it may not be as hard to electrify them as originally presumed. For example, Sandvik is rolling out a battery-electric 65-ton truck. The CALSTART beachhead strategy shows how advances in electrifying smaller equipment translate into advances in electrification of larger machines more rapidly than many assume.” With the Bauma Conference going on in München, leading OEMs are showcasing advancements in construction vehicle electrification, including Komatsu’s direct electric actuated wheel loader and 20-ton Proterra battery-powered excavator; John Deere’s two asphalt pavers and eight compaction rollers; Bobcat’s compact track loader; and Yanmar’s “powertrains for all” third-party solution suite. “CALSTART’s beachhead strategy outlines the roadmap to the deployment of zero-emission technologies in even the largest off-road equipment segments, added Jessie Lund, Truck Program Manager at CALSTART. “The beachhead strategy is based on the concept that the development and continual improvement of smaller electric machines lead to rapid improvements in areas such as component performance or charging infrastructure improvements that then drive the whole market forward. For example, the market success of battery electric forklifts clearly paved the way for the next wave of zero-emission equipment such as off-road yard trucks – a segment that is rapidly growing today.”
Nano One announces closing of Candiac acquisition from Johnson Matthey and appoints Denis Geoffroy as Chief Commercialization Officer
Nano One® Materials Corp., a clean technology innovator in battery materials, has announced that, through a wholly owned subsidiary, it has successfully completed the acquisition of Johnson Matthey Battery Materials Ltd. (“JMBM Canada”) previously announced on May 25, 2022. Net consideration for the Acquisition was C$10.25 million, subject to customary closing adjustments, and was fully funded from cash on hand. The Company held C$48 million cash on hand as of June 30, 2022, in addition to the Acquisition consideration. Highlights The Acquisition helps expedite Nano One’s business strategy for LFP and other battery materials and includes: A talented and dedicated workforce of 46 professionals with almost 400 years of scale-up, commercialization, and cathode manufacturing know-how on LFP. The only existing North American lithium iron phosphate (“LFP”) production facility. An 80,000 square foot, 2,400 tpa capacity LFP production facility on 9.5 acres, strategically located near Montréal. Certification systems supplying tier 1 cell manufacturers for the automotive sector. The Company is further pleased to announce that Denis Geoffroy, a seasoned lithium-ion battery value chain and cathode manufacturing leader has been appointed Chief Commercialization Officer of Nano One, effective Nov 1, 2022. Denis was an early contributor to Phostech Lithium, which led the first commercial manufacturing of LFP cathode active materials globally. Under Denis’ leadership, Phostech Lithium commercialized LFP in Québec and grew from pilot to full industrial commercialization with the build of the Candiac LFP plant and the commencement of commercial operations in 2012. Denis went on to lead the Candiac operations as General Manager until 2019. Mr. Dan Blondal, Nano One CEO, said, “Today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the Nano One story. I am pleased to report that the entire team in Candiac has transitioned to Nano One and this positions us with the most experienced LFP workforce in North America. We welcome their addition to the Nano One family and are looking forward to building and expanding the scope and trajectory of our operations over the coming months and years. Denis has contributed significantly to Nano One over the past year and played an integral role in the acquisition of JMBM Canada and we are delighted to be appointing him as Chief Commercialization Officer. We are confident that Nano One can create significant, long-term value for stakeholders by leveraging our enhanced resources, know-how, and patented One-Pot cathode manufacturing technology to address the critical mineral and scale-up challenges of a terawatt-hour world.” The Candiac facility and team in Montreal will be a base for the expansion and acceleration of Nano One’s commercialization strategy and is a perfect complement to Nano One’s technology innovation hub and team in Burnaby, British Columbia. Integration activities, with advisory services from the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and other specialty consultants, have been underway for the past few months with a focus on finance, human resources, governance, IT, marketing, communications, facilities, enterprise systems, manufacturing, procurement, and logistics. This work is expected to continue into Q2 2023 and work to date has put Nano One in a strong position, at this time, with the Acquisition now complete, to execute its organizational and business plans. The Company will begin with trials in the Candiac facility to validate the production of LFP using the Company’s patented One-Pot process. Results from these trials will drive business, commercial, and plant conversion decisions in 2023. In support of these post-closing activities, Nano One has been planning, engineering, and developing business channels for many months already, in close collaboration with key employees at the Candiac facility. This will enable the newly expanded company to move quickly. Critical raw material inputs and equipment, such as One-Pot reactors, have been ordered. A local engineering firm, with team members that participated in the design and build of the Candiac facility a decade ago, has been engaged to assist with large pilot trials of the One-Pot process, and this brings valuable experience that will help bridge the learning curve and expedite the transition of the facility to Nano One. Nano One has done extensive analyses of the techno-economics, critical minerals, carbon footprint, and environmental impact of its One-Pot process. The Company believes there is a significant opportunity to differentiate both economically and environmentally and to create a sustainably robust and secure supply chain to serve markets in Canada, the USA, Europe, and other emerging battery jurisdictions. Furthermore, Nano One will launch engineering activities for the design, construction, and operation of a commercial LFP facility. Site selection for this plant will be done in collaboration with partners and will consider governmental and non-governmental support in various jurisdictions. It is the Company’s intention, to use this plant as a blueprint for large multi-line production facilities under a hybrid business model that includes licensing, joint venture, and independent production in Canada, the USA, and other emerging critical mineral jurisdictions. This strategy is aimed at serving outsized demand from the energy storage, mobility, and electric vehicle markets. Details will be disclosed as the Company firms them up. The Candiac production facility has been in operation since 2012 and was acquired by Johnson Matthey in 2015. It has been a supplier of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode material to the lithium-ion battery sector for both automotive and non-automotive applications for a select group of customers, globally. Strategically located in Candiac, Québec, it has the benefit of access to a rapidly developing North American ecosystem that will serve the broader global community with cost-effective, resilient, and environmentally sustainable cathode materials. M. Denis Geoffroy said “As part of my work on LFP over the last 20 years, I helped develop, design, build and run the Candiac plant. When I joined Nano One a year ago to lead their commercialization effort, the opportunity quickly arose to bring these two great teams together and harness the best people with the most complementary skillsets. The team in Candiac has a passion for excellence, and an entrepreneurial spirit and they have successfully scaled two different processes on their journey to commercialize LFP 10
New! ChargePlus FLEX Universal Offboard Charger, now available! In stock!
FSIP’s (Flight Systems Industrial Products) exclusive ChargePlus Universal offboard charger line-up is getting a new addition: ChargePlus FLEX. This universal, high-frequency, off-board charger provides greater than 90% high-energy efficiency. The ChargePlus FLEX features programmable voltage (12-24-, 36-, or 48V), current, and charging profile via the touch keypad, can start a charging cycle as low as 2-volts, has an automatic float mode, and sports an easy-to-read LCD display. It’s the perfect portable solution for charging your lead-acid batteries. The ChargePlus Flex is ideal for motive power applications like pallet jacks, scissor lifts, sweeper scrubbers, LSVs, and more. For more information go to shop.fsip.biz or call Sales Support at 1-800-333-1194. Sales Support is also available by email at: sales@fsip.biz
Sunlight Group continues global expansion with new lithium battery facility in North Carolina
Mebane, NC expansion and investment marks another significant company milestone in the U.S. market $40 million investment to expand NC operations is part of a $150 million investment plan for U.S. operations and a $560 million global expansion strategy Fully owned, state-of-the-art 134,000 square foot Mebane facility will provide up to 200 jobs for high-tech and highly trained staff, and have immediate assembly capacity of 1GWh and 3GWh gradually until 2026 The new facility will bring best-in-class lithium-ion batteries and battery charging solutions to meet America’s growing demand Sunlight Batteries USA, a technology company specializing in innovative industrial mobility and energy storage systems, announces its expansion in the U.S. market with a second location in Mebane, Alamance County, North Carolina. The $40 million investment will create new and state-of-the-art lithium-ion batteries and battery charging solutions hub to meet growing demand in the Americas market. The new facility will be equipped with five lithium-ion battery assembly lines, including a fully automated one and one dedicated to ESS, whose immediate collective capacity reaches 1GWh and 3GWh gradually until 2026. Sunlight Batteries USA is a subsidiary of the Sunlight Group, a world-leading technology company headquartered in Athens, Greece. Sunlight’s global operations are an integrated network of innovation, manufacturing, assembly, and service hubs that develop next-generation energy storage solutions for off-road applications, serving the industrial mobility, leisure mobility, and ESS sectors. The newly-announced $40 million Mebane facility in North Carolina is part of a $560 million global expansion strategy with $150 million dedicated to growing the innovator’s tech, production, and service presence in the U.S. market. Todd Sechrist, CEO of Sunlight Batteries USA, commented, “We are truly excited to continue our expansion in the US, and specifically North Carolina, which represents another milestone in Sunlight’s ambitious growth plans for the Americas region. The fully owned 134,000-square-foot facility — with an additional 100,000-square-foot expansion pad — affords Sunlight the ability to serve the growing demand for lithium-ion battery and charger solutions in the US. In addition to positioning Sunlight as a partner of choice in the Americas market for meeting sustainability, clean energy, and decarbonization goals, the new assembly center is an exciting opportunity to be an economic engine for the communities in which we live and work and to provide the brightest possible future for our Sunlight families and neighbors. The new Mebane operation follows the 2021 opening of a 103,000 sq ft facility in Greensboro focused on lead-acid batteries, currently standing at 1GWh in lead formation and assembly capacity. Sunlight’s second plant in the U.S. will add to the company’s lithium-ion production capacity by utilizing state-of-the-art automated laser welding machinery for modules and complete batteries. A key advantage of this specific production technology is its industry-leading product flexibility. Namely, the automated assembly line is fitted with different interchangeable tools that can be promptly refitted to produce new designs and battery architectures, which significantly reduces changeover time, maximizes effectiveness, and addresses diversified market demands. In addition to lithium module and battery assembly, the new Mebane facility will also house the Headquarters of Sunlight Batteries USA, as well as advanced charging and industrial electronics services (Battery Charger Assembly, Parts and Distribution Center) – thanks to Sunlight Group’s May 2022 acquisition of PBM SRL, an Italy-based global leader in the production of battery chargers and industrial electronic devices. Stakeholder confidence in Sunlight Batteries USA’s North American expansion strategy was highlighted when the company received a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) approved by the North Carolina Economic Investment Committee in September 2022. The State praised the economic impact of the investment which is estimated to grow North Carolina’s economy by $390.7 million over 12 years. The new Mebane facility will create more than 200 jobs for high-tech and highly trained staff in various functions and departments – including sales, marketing, operations, assembly, warehousing, engineering, and customer service. The average salary will approximate $68,000 – well above the current average wage in Alamance County of $46,999. State and local areas will see an additional impact of more than $8.5 million each year from the new payroll. North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper commented on the awarding of the grant, “Demand is growing for clean energy components like batteries, and North Carolina is at the forefront of this industry of the future. Companies like Sunlight Batteries USA are bringing new jobs and new investment to our state, thanks to our commitment to clean energy and innovation.” Sunlight’s U.S. operations are strategically located in the Central Piedmont region of North Carolina to take advantage of the area’s skilled workforce and logistical connectivity to major U.S. markets. The Mebane facility specifically, is situated among major interstate highways, multiple TL and LTL carriers, and three ports – all within a few hour’s driving time.
UgoWork lithium-ion batteries now approved for use with lift trucks of another major OEM
UgoWork™, a Canadian energy solutions provider specializing in the material handling industry, just announced that its UL-listed lithium-ion battery line-up for industrial trucks can now be used to power lift trucks from a major OEM. The name of the OEM remains undisclosed. This announcement comes on the heels of UgoWork’s battery solutions being certified by another, globally renowned OEM. Following thorough testing and evaluation, the OEM has confirmed that UgoWork’s battery specifications are within the parameters of the company’s lift truck requirements. The approval ensures that the OEM’s lift trucks will perform as intended and will continue to meet all applicable statutory, regulatory, and corporate requirements for the vehicle types being powered by UgoWork lithium-ion batteries. As a result, UgoWork batteries are approved for the OEM’s specific class I, II, and III lift truck models. “UgoWork products are designed for the most demanding customers, and compatibility with the lift trucks of reputed OEMs is inevitable,” said Philippe Beauchamp, President and CEO of UgoWork. “Our goal is to provide the highest level of performance, efficiency, and safety to our customers. This milestone will facilitate our client’s lithium-ion transition and ultimately, benefit the whole ecosystem,” he added.
EnerSys® strengthens partnership with Industrial Battery & Charger, Inc. through product territory expansion
EnerSys®, the global provider of stored energy solutions for industrial applications, has strengthened its Manufacturer Representative Agreement with Industrial Battery & Charger, Inc. (IBCI) by granting exclusive sales and service rights for all EnerSysprovider® motive power products in the Middle Tennessee Territory, with local offices in Nashville. Effective immediately, the exclusivity agreement includes the complete line of EnerSys® NexSys® and IRONCLAD® batteries, as well as IMPAQ™, NexSys®+, and Express® chargers. With corporate headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina, IBCI is the largest motive and stationary power applications provider in the Southeast. IBCI will deploy its team of elite sales associates and certified service technicians, as well as more than 40 years of knowledge and success in industrial distribution, to grow EnerSys® motive power product distribution and awareness across this important market territory. “Our expanded partnership with IBCI is a testament to our ongoing 30-plus year business relationship and the growing appeal that our premium motive power solutions offer to customers who are eager to optimize their fleet operations,” said Michael Shea, General Manager, Southern Area at EnerSys. “We look forward to continuing to work closely with our colleagues at IBCI to provide customers in the Southeast region with products and services that can enhance the productivity and performance of their equipment to help deliver a lower Total Cost of Ownership.” “Like IBCI, EnerSys® is built around the business philosophy that ‘customer service and satisfaction come first. Having the good fortune to partner with such a like-minded organization has been an absolute privilege,” said Jason Poston, President of Industrial Battery & Charger, Inc. “We look forward to this next journey in our collaboration as we continue to elevate the customer experience with access to the latest battery and charger products, accessories, and services.” For more information about EnerSys® and its full line of products, systems, and support, visit www.enersys.com.
UgoWork welcomes Tim Ballard as Director of Sales as part of its North American expansion plans
UgoWork™, a Canadian energy solutions provider specializing in lithium-ion batteries and Energy as a Service (EaaS) solutions in the material handling industry, just announced that industry veteran, Tim Ballard, is now the company’s Director of Sales. This is yet another initiative UgoWork has taken as it continues to make inroads across the US and Canada. Tim has over two decades of proven experience in material handling. After studying at the University of Louisville in Kentucky, he worked in several management positions at ProLift Industrial Equipment, an official full-service and material handling dealership for Toyota. Apart from an in-depth and pragmatic understanding of industry needs and trends, Tim’s strengths reside in his track record of working in all aspects of material handling, including operations, sales, training, and support. “We are thrilled to welcome Tim to the team,” explained Philippe Beauchamp, UgoWork’s CEO. “When I first met Tim through different projects, I already knew about his incredible reputation in the industry. We have an amazing response from the market and Tim comes at the right time. His approach and personality are a perfect fit for our team, and his contribution to our phenomenal expansion is extremely exciting. His background and rigor will definitely help our entire team achieve the very ambitious expansion goals we have set for the company.” Tim shares Philippe’s eagerness to pave the way for UgoWork’s innovative approach to energy management for material handling teams. “I was very impressed with UgoWork’s vision and the performance of both its lithium-ion batteries and Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) model,” he said. “No other manufacturer offers these types of solutions on the market—a solution that truly addresses today’s material handling challenges.” “What started off as a customer-vendor relationship evolved into something much more. Right away, I saw the advantages of UgoWork’s products and what they could do. The customer value speaks for itself,” Tim added. His plans for UgoWork in the upcoming months? “I want the business to have the very best sales team in the industry so that we can educate and serve material handling teams across North America about the benefits of lithium-ion batteries and EaaS as compared to other legacy technologies. UgoWork’s future looks very bright indeed.”
New IoT solution tracks sealed batteries health
Sealed AGM, Gel, TPPL, and Lithium Ion batteries are often selected for use in golf cart fleets, pallet jacks, forklifts, scissor lifts, scrubbers, and emerging industrial applications such as solar arrays and UPS backups. With the new Advanced Battery Steward for Sealed Batteries system from Flow-Rite, it’s easy to wirelessly monitor the health of one or more batteries in the field with a mobile device to make informed maintenance decisions. Leveraging IoT technology, the Advanced Battery Steward Sealed Battery Tracker monitors critical data like voltage and half-voltage, current in and out, temperature, and battery impact and angle. Each event and measurement is time and date stamped for Machine Learning (ML) processing to create high-value metrics and realistic gauges of battery performance. With the ability to display both the current battery state as well as view its history on a smartphone, tablet, or desktop, it’s simple to identify events that may be putting a battery’s health at risk. A storage battery manager can, for example, take measurements to modify equipment utilization to optimize performance and increase longevity. Pre-wired and easy to install, the Flow-Rite Advanced Battery Steward for Sealed Batteries is configured using a free intuitive Android or iOS app. Once set up, the user can monitor all their battery technologies on a single dashboard. The solution works with sealed battery technologies such as AGM, Gel, TPPL, Lithium Ion, and Bipolar.
What’s in the blue box? Modules, Design and Chemistry of Lithium Batteries for Forklifts
The diversity in forklift lithium battery module design, chemistry composition, and form is what sets apart industrial lithium brands on the most basic level. It is increasingly hard to choose the right forklift battery, given the variety of equipment types, makes, and models designed for specific applications, work environments, and operation paces. To see through the sales pitch and make an informed decision, you need to understand the differences among cells. On the surface, all forklift batteries look the same. This article will help you to better understand what battery packs are made of. So, what’s inside the “blue box”? Types of Lithium Batteries: Lithium module Design To help OEMs, BSLBATT has developed 43 standard modules for lithium batteries of different capacities, which can form parallel building blocks in forklift battery compartments. Up to 20 of these modules can be stacked in parallel, and the total capacity can be tailored to forklift OEM needs. The slotted design of BSLBATT lithium batteries allows them to be fitted in a range of configurations for a custom fit. Each module is individually controlled by advanced on-board computing systems to ensure continuous operating conditions of your forklifts in any environment. What makes the BSLBATT the Superior Lithium Battery for your Motive Power needs? The answer is quality at every step. The BSLBATT Battery has been validated to over 60 industry quality and safety checks. It has multiple layers of monitoring, safety, and backup redundancies both in the module and the complete unit. The battery is designed and assembled in China., and its assembly facilities meet the stringent ISO 9001:2015 certification standards. In addition, BSLBATT is the first forklift lithium battery in China to obtain UL2580 certification for its complete product line. Maximum and safe transfer of energy is conducted through flexible copper busbar cabling. Read more about Lithium module Design. Why LFP is the Best Choice for Material Handling Operations Of all the various types of lithium-ion batteries, three cell chemistry types are widely used in on- and off-highway electric vehicles: lithium iron phosphate, or lithium ferro phosphate (LFP); lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC); and lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA). A battery’s longevity, or its cycle life, depends on three main factors: Chemical composition of cathode materials Ambient temperature of operation Depth of discharge All batteries degrade with usage, decreasing their Ah capacity with each charge/discharge cycle. In material handling, batteries usually become unusable when they drop below 80% of their nominal capacity. This graph shows the results of recent independent degradation tests of the aforementioned three types of cells with different chemistry, under equal conditions of temperature and depth of discharge. LFP lithium batteries exhibit superior performance compared to NMC—they offer a longer lifespan and are generally less expensive. Lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA) batteries performed similarly to or worse than NMC. Why BSLBATT uses LFP？ BSLBATT Battery makes the most stringent demands on the safety and quality of all components to ensure top performance and long cycle life for our lithium batteries. We have reached a strategic cooperation agreement with the most technologically advanced and reliable manufacturer of lithium cells in 2020 to guarantee our battery supply. We work with cells with different chemistry, including LFP, NMC, and others, but focus mostly on LFP technology as the optimal choice for material-handling applications. Types of lithium batteries: lithium cell format Main lithium battery pack components Currently, there is no standardized design for a lithium-ion battery (LIB). The battery cell type is selected according to a user’s needs, which ultimately influences the design of the battery module. The present LIB market most often provides a 3-tier battery concept to customers: cell, module, and pack. Cell shapes Battery cells are designed in different form-factors and shapes: cylindrical, prismatic, and pouch cells. The inner structure and the electrode-separator compound differ in terms of the material dimensions and the manufacturing processes used. Read more about the technical comparison of cylindrical, pouch, and prismatic battery cells. Prismatic batteries are the best choice for forklift batteries The differences in battery technology today allow customers to choose the best fit for their applications. Thus, lithium prismatic cells are the preferred technology for material handling equipment (MHE): Hundreds of Ah nominal capacity. The technology provides the best ratio of power and energy per volume unit. This is especially important in the high-capacity, high-current, and relatively low-voltage batteries used in MHE. Optimal utilization of available pack space. There are no space cavities between the cells. This allows maximum capacity for the battery pack and still has enough room to accommodate for required extra weight, sealing, heater, an internal charger, or other battery upgrades within the battery compartment’s limited area. Contacts are strong enough for reliable bus-bars connection. This is a hugely important safety factor with high vibration operations, especially in cushion-tire-type lift trucks. Flexible battery weight. LIB pack weight is not a limitation for most of the MHE in terms of its range per one charging (unlike passenger EVs). Forklifts operate mostly near their charging stations and their batteries are often engineered as a counterweight. BSLBATT senior sales Soma Liu brings you a magic show of what’s in the blue box. With the Soma Liu action, the forklift lithium battery module, PDU board, battery interface, and BSL battery seem to be assembled consciously Get up! Learn more about this impressive industrial battery by watching this video: Get the most out of your fleet with lithium-ion technology The right power source underpins everything you do. BSLBATT has the resources and intelligence to not only identify it but provide it as well. Having access to expert insight and proven experience has become a need, not a luxury. BSLBATT Battery is that essential resource – a team of industry experts, all committed to partnering with you to pinpoint the Lithium forklift battery that can help address your specific materials-handling needs.
Flux Power announces record new Purchase Orders of $64 Million in fiscal year 2022
Flux Power Holdings, Inc., a developer of advanced lithium-ion energy storage solutions for the electrification of commercial and industrial equipment, today announced combined purchase orders from new and existing customers in excess of $64 million in the fiscal year June 30, 2022, which was more than 82% over the order volume for fiscal year June 30, 2021. While not an exact measure, we estimate that purchase orders indicate future revenue potential from new customers in the fiscal year 2022 was 26% of revenue, with the remaining 74% from repeat customers. Our strategy reflects a “relationship”, not transactional, business with our customers that provides ongoing new purchase needs and service requirements. Ron Dutt, Flux Power Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We believe new purchase orders in our fiscal year 2022 are a strong indicator of our potential to reach $70 million in annual revenue run rate in the near term. Our strategic initiatives to accelerate backlog conversion to shipments and increase inventory turns are also driving revenue results and gross margins that will lead toward profitability. Additional momentum is being driven by the accelerating “economy-wide” renewable energy transition. The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act includes tax and other incentives that are aimed at significantly accelerating the adoption of zero-emission technologies for commercial vehicles. We believe our products will benefit as electrification extends to material handling and other equipment supported by Flux as customers transition their entire fleets to clean energy solutions. “Looking closer at our customer breakdown, we are building a strong portfolio of nearly 74% “ongoing, repeat” customers in fiscal 2022. We believe the combination of repeat customer orders and continued acquisition of new customer business can drive revenue growth to $100 million and beyond in the next several years. We are seeing strong growth from both the material handling equipment sector and the airport ground support equipment sector. Additional interest from the emerging robotic material handling equipment vertical is also driving demand as these customers look to improve their productivity and equipment integration. With record new order growth, an expanding customer base and accelerating clean energy demand, we believe our growth trajectory in the fiscal year 2022 is on track for another record revenue year. We look forward to providing additional insight and results of our full fiscal year financial results on our upcoming earnings call,” concluded Dutt.
Do you want to be a distributor of BSL lithium batteries?
BSLBATT battery is a fast-paced, high-growth (200% YoY), a hi-tech company that is leading the adoption of lithium-ion technology solutions. BSLBATT designs, manufactures, and sells advanced lithium-ion battery packs that are disrupting the 100+-year-old market for lead-acid batteries, and they are looking for Global Partners for expansion. Currently, BSLBATT is working with over 48 battery distributors in the global market. They continue to witness growth in the forklift lithium battery replacement market and welcome you to be a part of our inherited innovative Industrial lithium battery products, smart-powered solutions, and cutting-edge modular technologies, and to be one of 118 dealers on our global market map member! Their battery packs are used to power industrial and commercial equipment like forklifts and Renewable Energy, as well as new applications like Golf Carts, Floor-Machines, MINI Excavators, and Mobile Elevated Work Platforms stations. Click here for a copy of the company presentation kit. Choosing BSL is choosing the future; let’s work side by side in this industry. Contact their sales reps today!
Flow-Rite honored again
The National Association for Business Resources (NABR) announced Flow-Rite Controls‘ (FRC) inclusion in its prestigious West Michigan’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® award program. The honor recognizes organizations for excellence in human resource and employee enrichment practices. “We’re deeply honored to be included once again,” said Todd Hart, FRC president. “Our employees are the bedrock of our success and the beating heart of our business. The credit belongs to our staff for embodying the core values which made the last six years of inclusion on this list possible. Through our combined efforts, we hope to continue our relationship with the Best & Brightest program and ensure FRC remains a wonderful place to work, from top to bottom.” All Best & Brightest companies are rated across multiple categories such as communications, work-life balance, employee education, diversity, recognition, and retention. Members of the program are identified as premiere employers in their region; inclusion in this list will bolster FRC’s recruitment and retainment efforts. Past and present awardees include renowned organizations such as Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Buist Electric, Consumers Credit Union, Dematic, Michigan State University Credit Union, and the University of Michigan Health-West. Flow-Rite Controls is a vertically integrated plastics engineering company that designs and manufactures a wide range of fluid control and IoT devices. Its single-point lead-acid battery watering systems have become OEM standard in multiple applications while its marine plumbing systems are used by over 40 boat OEMs. Its indoor agricultural division is creating a better way to grow. Flow-Rite remains dedicated to sustainability and has adopted green production processes and materials wherever possible.
How can Port Terminal Operators save money on Heavy-Duty Forklift Equipment?
Port Sustainability: Delivering Clean Energy and Performance to Ports In port and terminal operations, having trucks to ensure that cargo can be shipped in volume and in a timely manner is key. For example, with the advent of large ships carrying more than 23,000 TEU, the terminal generates a lot of activity. Additionally, in the current environment, having an efficient fleet of high-capacity electric forklifts may help manage costs across the business. But what are the main challenges of operating forklifts in ports and terminals? How can a BSLBATT® high-capacity forklift lithium battery help overcome these challenges? What is your challenge? Port Terminal Operators – The current environment for port terminal operations requires a high priority to reduce carbon emissions. This is mandated by most councils in cities across North America. To date, most port terminals continue to use diesel forklift machinery, which takes a huge toll on the environment, employee health, and the people living in these environments. A forklift operator at a port terminal arrives at work in the hot summer sun and sits above a hot diesel engine. Additionally, noise pollution from forklifts often requires operators to wear ear protection. With the BSLBATT Heavy duty forklift lithium battery, these challenges are solved. Financially, many ports operate under the direction of committees and require board approval for capital expenditures. Some of the challenges for port operators are being able to communicate effectively with the board and requiring capital expenditures to replace forklifts when operating costs remain low over the life of the asset. As a result, many diesel forklifts in operation today continue to operate well beyond a reasonable life cycle, and as costs begin to increase, the financial efficiency of the asset becomes inefficient. Some of these costs include maintenance and repairs, energy consumption, tire changes, and extended downtime, all of which result in the need for backup machinery, the most expensive of all. The solution available for ports today is the BSLBATT industrial electric forklift lithium battery. These batteries are especially popular with bulk terminals, as the superior performance and visibility allow operators to use the equipment like a conventional diesel-powered truck. Guaranteed uninterrupted operation in the most demanding applications handling heavy loads (beverage distribution, paper, wood, and metal industries), high lift heights (very narrow aisle applications), and large attachments (roll clips, push-pull, single and double). Choose BSLBATT® Heavy duty forklift lithium battery manufacturer for…. Adaptable Products Based on Different Forklift Dimensions When purchasing a forklift battery, most of the time you are buying it for a specific piece of equipment. The battery compartment dimensions, minimum forklift battery weight requirement, and the connector cable length and position are all important aspects that the new battery must be compatible with. This process becomes much more of a headache when you are forced to look through 400-500 different SKUs to find the battery that fits your equipment’s exact specifications. To make this step in the process a whole lot easier, you can look for a manufacturer that offers customizable battery models that can be adapted to your equipment. This way, you can purchase a base model battery for whatever type of lift truck you’re outfitting, and then add an adapter to meet the truck requirements. Looking for a forklift manufacturer with this type of modular battery design is important because these batteries can be utilized with different forklift brands and models if your fleet composition changes in the future. As a leading full China Lithium-Ion battery provider, BSLBATT® heavy-duty lithium-ion batteries are used by many fortune 500 companies including Toyota, Yale-Hyster, Linde, Taylor, Kalmar, Lift-Force, and Raniero. BSLBATT aims to allow every individual vehicle driver in the world to enjoy the extraordinary experience of the superior performance of BSLBATT batteries, just like the feeling that the operator finishes their shift – fresh and ready to work. Excellent and Ongoing Technical Support Traditionally, forklift batteries tend to be seen as a one-time cost of doing business, and great customer support is not high on the priority list. But with the advent of lithium-ion technology, where batteries are more of long-term technology investment, the customer support experience is more important for fleet managers to get the most out of their equipment. Make sure to pay attention to the tools and resources the customer support team provide such as: Online product guides and videos Product training programs Safety and battery disposal and recycling documents Service bulletins Being able to leverage a responsive, helpful technical support team to ensure batteries are being used to their fullest potential and maintained correctly to maximize lifespan is crucial in the world of advanced battery technology. Additionally, since lithium-ion batteries can have different chemical compositions, it is important for users to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging, storage, shipping, and maintenance. Whether the battery is purchased directly from the manufacturer, an OEM, or through a local equipment dealer, you should be able to contact the manufacturer for help with any problems or questions they might have. Minimized risk of operator injury Reliability is also important as many terminals operate 24/7 with tight turnaround times. Trucks need to work when needed in order to move goods where they are needed. Likewise, forklifts need to be flexible. Since modern terminals handle a variety of loads, having different trucks for different load types takes up valuable space and reduces cost efficiency. The safety of people, cargo, and infrastructure are also critical to the success of terminal operations. For material handling equipment, lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) is thermally stable and can handle very high and very low temperatures, meaning thermal runaway is less likely. They can be used in temperatures up to 131 degrees Fahrenheit without the risk of burning or damaging the battery. It is critical for operators to always follow the battery manufacturer’s instructions to minimize risk. Compared to other lithium-ion chemistries, lithium iron phosphate batteries are generally the safest when mishandled. BMS with Telematics Offering for Battery Data Management Lithium-ion battery technology is more than just a power source for your equipment; it is a useful
CLARK Material Handling Company partners with Sunlight Batteries USA to market Motive-Power Line
CLARK Material Handling Company, a top-ten global manufacturer of forklift trucks and spare parts, has partnered with Sunlight Group to provide our CLARK dealers with an additional tubular lead-acid motive-power battery line that provides high performance, low maintenance, and extreme durability. Sunlight Group offers short and consistent delivery times and provides an excellent return on investment, all covered by a five-year warranty. For over 30 years, Sunlight Group has striven to create powerful solutions that meet the needs of their customers, exceeding their expectations. Headquartered globally in Athens, Greece, Sunlight Batteries USA was established in Greensboro, NC in 2019, and is the company’s largest assembly plant. It comprises a 100,000+ sq. ft. state-of-the-art, temperature-controlled manufacturing, and storage facility, designed to support the North American market. Sunlight Group has a total 10 GWh production capacity operating six manufacturing plants across the globe and 8 facilities overall. “CLARK is proud to offer another excellent motive-power battery option to our CLARK Dealer Network with Sunlight Batteries USA,” commented Charlie Chwasz, CLARK North American Aftermarket Sales Manager. “We are working diligently to provide our dealer network with additional options to help them support their customers’ needs. We are pleased to be partnering with Sunlight Batteries USA to this end and look forward to a long partnership together.” CLARK will offer tubular lead-acid batteries from Sunlight. Tubular batteries have a higher cycle count which translates to a longer lifespan; a higher operational performance in demanding applications; and higher efficiency ratings, compared to a traditional flat plate battery. “Sunlight Batteries USA delivers premium quality, high performance, and long cycle life products. Incorporating decades of experience in industry-leading production we develop and deliver efficient, reliable, and fully recyclable lead-acid batteries with excellent performance, and long service life. We are excited to introduce the CLARK dealer network to our brand and look forward to providing them with the perfect solutions for their customers’ needs,” added Todd M. Sechrist, CEO of Sunlight Batteries USA. CLARK dealers will be able to purchase Sunlight products through the CLARK Aftermarket program, effective immediately. For more information on Sunlight Batteries USA, visit www.the-sunlight-group.com, or contact your local authorized CLARK dealer today.
FSIP announces relaunch of the Technical Forum
After ten years of activity, Flight Systems Industrial Products (FSIP) has redesigned and relaunched its Material Handling Technical Forum. The new look makes navigating, posting and replying easier for customers interested in sharing their knowledge. FSIP understands business is a 24/7 event, and we value our business-to-business relationships. FSIP aims aim to provide the information you need, when you need it, even during non-customer service hours. FSIP’s community is here to help solve your problems whenever they occur. Steve Lloyd, Compliance & Quality Manager, states “Technical forums are a great troubleshooting tool for all field technicians when running into that odd issue. Chances are others have already found the solution and can share their experience with you.” FSIP invites you to join the conversation at: http://fsip.community.chat/categories
EP 301: OneCharge at MODEX 2022
David Suarez joins me this week from the booth at MODEX 2022. David Suarez is the VP of Business Development at OneCharge. OneCharge is a manufacturer of advanced lithium-ion batteries for the material handling industry. OneCharge offers the most extensive product line of lithium-ion electric forklift batteries for the material handling industry on the market. We discuss why the time is now for those in the material handling industry to make the switch to Lithium-ion. Key Takeaways David provides the most important reasons businesses should consider switching from diesel, LPG, and traditional lead-acid batteries to the more technologically advanced, economical, and safer lithium power. David shares the advantages from a lifecycle perspective of Lithium-ion battery technology compared to previous technology. This addresses one of the top concerns from attendees who show reluctance in switching. Customers are looking for advanced telemetry solutions that provide the most efficient asset utilization geared toward increasing efficiency and getting products out the door. OneCharge’s BMS or battery management system communicates with the charger and the forklift, ensuring the equipment only uses the amount of electricity it needs. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 301: OneCharge at MODEX 2022
Yale expands lineup of lift trucks with factory integrated lithium-ion power
Yale Materials Handling Corporation extends its range of electric lift trucks with the introduction of 4,000-pound capacity integrated lithium-ion powered three-wheel and four-wheel models. Designed and manufactured with lithium-ion power from the factory, the new models allow warehouses in industries like food and beverage, 3PL, and retail and e-commerce to reap the benefits of this advanced electric power source, whether transitioning from internal combustion engine-powered trucks or lead-acid batteries. Both the ERP040VTL, the three-wheel model, and the ERP040VFL, the four-wheel model, buck the traditional approach in which a battery box replacement converts counterbalanced lift trucks from lead-acid to lithium-ion battery power. Instead, the trucks are designed from the ground up around a fully integrated, space-saving lithium-ion battery pack. “Counterbalanced trucks in this low-capacity range are critical workhorses and operations need lithium‑ion options backed by a trusted leader in lift truck technology,” says Brad Long, Brand Manager, Yale Materials Handling Corporation. “We’re making it easier for warehouses to take advantage of lithium-ion power without having to jump through hoops to find a compatible aftermarket lithium-ion battery supplier and retrofit their trucks.” The trucks pack the advantages of lithium-ion power, including fast charging, zero tailpipe emissions and no gassing in battery charging or maintenance processes, and lower energy costs compared to fossil fuels and lead-acid batteries. They are also strategically engineered to deliver other key benefits: Ergonomics – an open-space design increases operator freedom to position feet and makes for easy entry and exit, maximizing comfort and convenience Efficiency – Zero battery maintenance and fast charging times allow operators to focus more of their time on moving, for meaningful productivity advantages Stability – a repositioned center of gravity enhances drive quality and improves truck handling in corners for greater operator confidence and performance The trucks join the Yale lineup of factory-integrated lithium-ion lift trucks, which already include pneumatic and cushion tire models in the 5,000 to the 6,000-pound capacity range, as well as a 15,500 to 19,000-pound capacity series.