Major investment in new forklift and power pallet trucks to enhance safety, efficiency and storage capacity at leading UK premium fruit specialist
Mansfields, one of the UK’s leading premium fruit specialists and part of the greosn group, has made a major investment in a new handling fleet as it continues to strengthen its operational capabilities and invest in the long-term development of the business.
The investment comprises 15 new Hyster forklift trucks (FLTs) and six power pallet trucks (PPTs), bringing advanced technology and enhanced safety features into the operation while enabling Mansfields to make better use of its warehouse and packhouse space.
Known for driving operational excellence through world-class facilities, advanced technology, genetic innovation and award-winning sustainability, Mansfields has placed safety, efficiency and long-term capacity at the heart of the investment.
The project forms part of continued investment in Mansfields since the business became part of the greosn group in October 2025, supporting its long-term growth and strengthening its position within the fruit sector.
The new forklift fleet has been specified around the requirements of Mansfields’ busy fruit operation. Of the 15 trucks, two have 5.5-metre mast heights and 13 have 4.6-metre mast heights, allowing the business to maximise vertical storage and make more effective use of its existing warehouse footprint.
Powered by lithium-ion technology and capable of lifting loads of up to 2,000kg, the electric forklifts combine the capacity required for demanding day-to-day operations with efficient and reliable performance. A tight turning radius also provides greater manoeuvrability within busy packhouse and warehouse environments where effective use of space is essential.
Safety has been a key consideration in selecting the new fleet, with technology and design features incorporated to provide greater protection for operators, colleagues and pedestrians.
The forklift trucks feature pedestrian awareness technology, capable of detecting pedestrians up to five metres away across a 110-degree field of view and alerting the operator to their presence. Improved mirrors provide greater visibility and situational awareness when manoeuvring around the site.
The investment also includes six new power pallet trucks, selected to provide greater flexibility across the operation, particularly when working in tighter or more restricted areas.
The A2 ride-on trucks can be converted into A1 multifunctional trucks, enabling teams to adapt the equipment to different tasks and working environments. Keypad access replaces conventional keys, improving security and removing the risk of keys being left in the trucks, while power steering makes handling and manoeuvring easier for operators. An automatic slow-down function provides additional support for safer operation, while protective arms that can be raised or lowered depending on how the truck is being used have been incorporated with operator safety and protection in mind.
Together, the new forklift and power pallet truck fleet provides Mansfields with modern, robust and user-friendly equipment designed around the practical requirements of its operation and the people using it every day.
Geoff Buckenham, MHE Officer at Mansfields, said: “We wanted a fleet that would give us the performance and flexibility we need, but safety was equally important.
“From pedestrian awareness and improved visibility to automatic slow-down technology and greater manoeuvrability, the equipment has been selected with our people and working environment firmly in mind.
“The new fleet also enables us to make better use of the space we already have. The different mast heights give us the ability to maximise our vertical storage capacity, while the flexibility of the power pallet trucks will support our teams across different areas of the operation.”
The investment forms part of greosn’s wider approach to building stronger, more efficient and resilient businesses through targeted investment in people, infrastructure, technology and operational capabilities.
Across the group, greosn takes a long-term approach to investment, directing capital into areas including packhouses, storage and transport infrastructure, farms, growing sites, equipment and technology to improve efficiency, capacity, quality and supply continuity.
For Mansfields, the new handling fleet is a practical example of that strategy in action – delivering tangible operational benefits today while building the capacity and resilience needed to support future growth.
James Miller, Managing Director at Mansfields, said: “This investment is an important step forward for Mansfields and will make a real difference to how we operate every day.
“Investing in the right equipment and technology is fundamental to maintaining the high standards we set ourselves. This new fleet will help us operate more safely and efficiently, make better use of our existing facilities and give our teams the equipment they need to do their jobs effectively.