SDC Trailers transitions to electric fleet with Windsor
A longstanding partnership between SDC Trailers and Windsor Materials Handling continues to evolve, as the leading trailer manufacturer embarks on a major shift from diesel to electric materials handling equipment.
BASED IN Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, SDC Trailers is part of CIMC Vehicles Group Co Ltd and has been working with Windsor since 2008. Over nearly two decades, the relationship has grown to encompass a broad range of equipment and services, including the supply of forklift trucks from 1.8 tonnes to 9 tonnes in capacity, as well as multi-directional, scissor lifts, and mast boom cherry pickers.
Windsor has also extended its support to SDC’s sister company, SDC Pioneer, based in Southampton, providing the same high standard of equipment and service. What began with Komatsu diesel forklifts has steadily progressed in line with changing environmental and operational priorities. Today, SDC Trailers is in the process of converting its entire fleet to electric-powered vehicles.
A key part of this transition is the introduction of a fleet of UN lithium-ion electric forklift trucks. The move is already delivering tangible benefits, including a significant reduction in noise pollution — a key concern due to the company’s central Mansfield location, which is close to residential areas. In addition to being quieter, lithium-powered forklifts offer faster charging times, zero emissions at the point of use, and improved energy efficiency. Their maintenance-free battery systems eliminate the need for traditional battery swaps or watering, enhancing safety and reducing downtime.
SDC Trailers recognises Windsor as a trusted and forward-thinking partner. For nearly 20 years, the company has accepted and embraced Windsor’s equipment recommendations, confident in their proven track record. This long-term collaboration has been built not only on quality products, but also on Windsor’s responsive and knowledgeable service support.
“Our partnership with Windsor is built on trust and performance,” said SDC Trailers group president, Paul Bratton. “They’ve consistently delivered the right equipment for our evolving needs and supported us through every stage of our development. The transition to electric is an important one for us, and Windsor has helped guide us with the right products and expertise to make it a success.”
SDC Trailers is one of the UK and Ireland’s leading manufacturers of trailers for the road transport industry. With a reputation for innovation, reliability, and engineering excellence, the company supplies a wide range of trailers — from curtainsiders and box vans to skeletal and platform trailers — for a diverse portfolio of logistics and transport businesses across Europe.
“When you come to a busy site like this,” says Andrew Lane, Director at Windsor, “parts of which is a former dairy, you see a lot of different handling challenges. Equipment here has to be able to cope with the distances travelled, undulating ground conditions and the demands of an intensive operation.”
“This is exactly the kind of partnership Windsor likes to support,” adds Andrew. “It’s a great company to work with and we are proud to see SDC Trailers evolve and adopt greener technologies. We’re here to provide the knowledge, tools, and service that make that transition seamless and it is a pleasure to be a small part of their success.”
