We know that in the food and drink sector, every detail counts - especially when it comes to cold storage and hygiene-critical environments.  That’s why, here in our latest blog, we’re shining a spotlight on forklift attachments designed to perform in chilled, frozen, and extreme operating conditions.

The right attachment can make all the difference - keeping staff safe, protecting valuable stock, and helping your operations run smoothly and compliantly.

Mark Jones, our Technical Sales Advisor, explains:

“Cold stores and hygiene-sensitive zones create unique challenges for materials handling.  Standard attachments often aren’t designed to cope with sub-zero conditions and this can lead to breakdowns, hygiene issues, and costly downtime.

“That’s why investing in equipment built specifically for these environments is crucial.  From stainless-steel attachments that can be fully sanitised to hydraulics designed to operate reliably in freezing conditions, the right solutions can help businesses across the industry maintain efficiency and compliance while safeguarding both their products and their people.

Stainless Steel Attachments

Built to Withstand Sub-Zero Temperatures

In frozen storage facilities, temperatures can reach -30°C or lower.  Materials that aren’t specifically designed for such extremes can become brittle, seize up, or fail entirely.  Our specially-designed cold-store attachments are manufactured using specialist steels, corrosion-resistant finishes, and hydraulics specified for extreme cold environments which all ensure smooth operations - even after hours in deep freeze conditions.

 

Hygienic Design for Washdown & Allergen Control

In food and drink facilities with washdown processes or allergen-controlled zones, attachments must be hygienically designed, easy to clean and sanitise, and resistant to contamination.  Our dedicated stainless-steel range is ideal for these settings.  The smooth, non-porous surfaces prevent bacteria build-up, and the innovative design allows for quick and effective pressure washing - ensuring compliance with hygiene legislation.

Reducing Risk, Enhancing Efficiency

Choosing purpose-built attachments not only helps meet compliance requirements but also improves safety and workflow.  By reducing the need for manual handling, businesses lower the risk of injuries, which are a major concern in the UK food and drink sector:

  • Over 30% of reported injuries in food and drink operations are due to manual handling, including lifting, pushing, and stacking loads.

  • Slips, trips, and falls remain the leading cause of workplace injuries in wet or icy areas, costing UK businesses an estimated £512 million annually in lost productivity and associated costs*.

Optimised attachments can help minimise these risks by reducing manual lifting, improving load stability, and enabling safer handling of products - particularly in icy, wet, or frozen environments. This not only protects staff but also helps cold-chain operations stay on schedule and maintain efficiency.

 

Partnering with the Cold-Chain Sector

We’re committed to continuing to work closely with businesses across the food and drink sector, offering advice, guidance, and bespoke solutions where needed.

“Every operation is different,” Mark adds. “Some businesses may need stainless steel drum handlers for allergen segregation whilst others might require fork extensions that won’t corrode in wet environments.  Our job is to help those across the sector find the right solution – either standard or bespoke - to keep their operations running safely and efficiently.”

 

*https://www.hse.gov.uk/food/safety-hazards/handling