VOLVO Construction Equipment’s L120 Electric wheel loader has made its UK debut at Heidelberg Materials UK’s Nuneaton Packed Products site, reinforcing the company’s drive to decarbonize operations.

Replacing a diesel-powered loader at the main bagging facility, the L120 Electric is now moving sand and aggregate as part of the site’s production process. The wheel loader was supplied by Volvo, with SMT GB providing charger installation, operator training, and ongoing support to maximize efficiency and productivity on site.

The introduction of the L120 Electric follows Heidelberg Materials’ recent investment in electric forklifts and vans, highlighting the company’s commitment to cleaner, more sustainable operations across its UK sites.

‘The L120 Electric is performing exceptionally well,’ said Marian Garfield, sustainability director at Heidelberg Materials UK. ‘As well as being emission-free, it’s also eight times quieter than the diesel loader, while giving operatives greater responsiveness and power. The battery easily handles a full 7.5-hour shift on a single charge, often finishing with around 30% capacity remaining.’

This is not the first collaboration between Heidelberg Materials UK, Volvo, and SMT on sustainable initiatives. Last year, the team refurbished a 14-year-old Volvo L350F wheel loader at Heidelberg Materials’ Ribblesdale cement works, extending the machine’s life and reducing carbon emissions — a clear example of circular economy principles in action.

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