If you’ve been waiting for real-world proof that electric material handling vehicles (MHVs) can outperform internal combustion in busy, space-constrained operations, this is it. Our new white paper, Electrifying Material Handling Vehicles, shows how Golden State Lumber made the switch to an all-electric fleet and increased uptime, safety, and cost control.
Below is a short overview of what you’ll learn in the full paper, and we’ll explain why now is the time to get serious about your own electrification roadmap.
Why the Shift to Electric Is Accelerating
Electrification isn’t just an environmental initiative; it’s an operational upgrade. Modern electric forklifts offer consistent power, instant torque, and whisper-quiet operation. With electric MHVs, communication is clearer, and air quality is high. And with fewer moving parts, they also tend to require less time in the shop, helping reduce the total cost of ownership over the life of the vehicle. Add in the growing state plus federal incentives and tightening regulations, and the case for electrification becomes clear.
Inside Golden State Lumber’s Challenge
Golden State Lumber has served California’s builders and hobbyists since 1954 with their unique indoor lumber yard.
“In the confined space we’re in, we’ve had to spread up instead of spreading out,” says Assistant Dispatcher Levi Culverhouse.
Further, the noise, fumes, and fueling logistics required with traditional combustion equipment wasn’t fitting Golden State’s model or mission.
A Trusted Partner: Papé Material Handling
Golden State didn’t flip the switch to an electric forklift fleet on their own. They leaned on their decades-long partnership with Papé Material Handling, putting their trust in a team that knows the equipment, the duty cycles, and the complicated logistics of high-demand and high-traffic yards.
“Papé Material Handling has been our supplier of forklifts for the past 20 years,” says Fleet Manager Brandon Deering. “The service they provide, the information, and the technology is always improving.”
With Papé’s guidance, Golden State designed an all-electric fleet and the charging plan to keep it running. This wasn’t a simple one-for-one equipment swap; it was a strategic transition that accounted for shift patterns, charging windows, and long-term scalability.
Results You Can See on Day One
The Golden State team saw the benefits immediately:
- Lower Operating Costs – No fuel runs, fewer consumables, and reduced maintenance needs thanks to simpler drivetrains.
- Increased Uptime – Fewer moving parts lead to fewer breakdowns and shorter maintenance windows.
- Safer, Cleaner Operation – Quiet, emissions-free equipment enables clear communication and dramatically improves air quality.
- All-Day Performance – “The ability to have one charge at night and have a forklift run all day long is going to save us a significant amount of money,” says Deering.
Operators feel the difference, too. Electric forklifts deliver smoother acceleration, precise control in confined spaces, and regenerative braking that extends the life of components.
The Papé Material Handling Playbook: Going Beyond the Equipment
What sets Papé Material Handling apart is our end-to-end support that turns a good idea into a tangible competitive advantage:
- Battery Tech – Selecting lithium solutions tuned to the environment and duty cycle.
- Infrastructure Planning – Matching charger types and power availability to shifts and throughput.
- Training and Adoption – Ensuring operators, technicians, and supervisors get the most from the new equipment and systems from day one.
- Responsive, Customer Service – “All it takes is a phone call, and they come out to service our lifts,” says Culverhouse. “That’s integral to keeping this place working.”
The net result is a yard that runs quieter, cleaner, and more efficiently, creating a greatly improved customer experience and a more satisfying work environment.
Thinking About Making the Transition to Electric?
Golden State Lumber’s journey proves electrification isn’t just possible, but is also advantageous, even in the most challenging conditions. If you’re evaluating your next fleet purchase or are considering a phased transition, our new white paper is your blueprint.
A dedicated partner like Papé Material Handling will help you accelerate the electrification process and ensure a smooth transition for you and your team. If you’re ready to explore what fleet electrification can do for your operations—and your bottom line—download our new white paper to discover the playbook from a team that’s already reaping the benefits.
Then, connect with our team of experts at Papé Material Handling to scope your facilities, model your ROI, and design and electrification roadmap that keeps you moving.
