Konecranes deploys first electric forklifts in North America at Church Brothers Farms

Konecranes has deployed its first electric forklifts in North America at Church Brothers Farms in California.

The project includes two E-VER 17-1200 C electric forklifts delivered during the first quarter of 2026. The units are now operating daily at Church Brothers Farms’ receiving, shipping and cold storage facility in Salinas, California.

The forklifts are used to unload incoming deliveries and transport products into warehousing and refrigerated storage areas.

Church Brothers Farms said the electric forklifts support high-volume produce handling while helping reduce emissions and operating costs compared to diesel-powered equipment.

Mike Manderson said reliable material handling is essential for maintaining smooth fresh produce operations across shipping and cold storage areas.

The forklifts also feature Konecranes’ TRUCONNECT Premium+ system, allowing operators to monitor hydraulic oil condition and contamination levels. The technology can extend oil life by up to three times, helping reduce maintenance costs and improve equipment uptime.

Total Industries supported the deployment and will continue to provide local service and maintenance support for the fleet.

Tobias Nilsson described the deployment as a major milestone for electric material handling in the United States.

Konecranes said the agreement forms part of its “Ecolifting” roadmap, which focuses on reducing tailpipe emissions through renewable diesel, hybrid, fully electric and future hydrogen-powered material handling solutions.

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