They move through warehouses as diligently as ants, transporting heavy loads seemingly effortlessly and keeping the global economy running behind the scenes – forklift trucks, the silent heroes of everyday life. The Jungheinrich EJC 112i electric pallet stacker proves that such a work tool can also be a visible design statement: With its clear, functional design, it conveys stability and precision while at the same time consciously focusing on accessibility and intuitive operability. “Our aim was to accompany the often physically demanding everyday work of users with respect – not only to offer them an excellent tool, but also to make their work more intuitive, safer and more pleasant,” said designer Andreas Knie, describing the design claim. This ideal is reflected in every detail. The permanently integrated lithium-ion battery enables a significant reduction in vehicle length and height. Thanks to the compact design, even smaller operators can always keep an eye on the fork tips when picking up loads, which significantly improves safety. With a vehicle length without forks (L2 dimension) of just 604 mm, an optimised centre of gravity and an extremely small turning radius, the truck also impresses with improved stability and a maximum load capacity of up to 1,200 kg at stacking heights of up to 4.7 metres. All controls and compartments are ergonomically positioned at the top for intuitive handling. For service and maintenance, only two screws need to be removed – “a barely visible but highly functional detail that significantly increases the longevity of the vehicle”, praised the jury. The overall image was also convincing across the board: “The EJC 112i is a high-lift truck that visibly combines technical innovation and functional design,” said the jury. “With its design concept consistently focused on the needs of the user and the exemplary integration of high-performance technology, it makes demanding work processes more dynamic and at the same time simpler and safer. The clear, minimalist design inspires confidence at first glance.” The EJC 112i thus proves that true power can also be expressed in a compact form – and that the silent heroes of logistics deserve more than a place in the shadows.
