Papé Material Handling is proud to announce that several team members have been recognized as winners in the 2025 HYShare Rewards Grand Awards, an incentive program that rewards loyalty and performance across the Hyster® and Yale® dealer network.

These awards highlight outstanding achievements in sales performance, customer service, and dedication within the material handling industry.

What Are the HYShare Rewards Grand Awards?

The HYShare Rewards Grand Awards are an annual, performance-based competition among authorized Hyster® and Yale® dealer sales representatives.

Participants earn points throughout the calendar year based on sales performance and achievement of key objectives. The program is designed to recognize top-performing individuals and encourage continued excellence across the dealer network.

Papé Material Handling Team Recognized

In 2025, four Papé Material Handling team members were honored for their contributions and performance.

President’s Award Winners

The President’s Award distinguishes the top 20 sales performers across the dealer network.

• Chris Key, Major Account Manager — 1st Place
• Nathan Shockley, Major Account Manager — 9th Place

Both represent the Southern California region and were acknowledged for their outstanding sales achievements.

Additional Recognitions

• Chris Brown, Major Account Manager — Heart of the Line Sales Champion
• Jeff Gomes, Sales Manager — Dealer Division Grand Award Winner

These awards reflect strong performance across multiple categories, including product focus and overall sales leadership.

Supporting Long-Term Success

Papé Material Handling remains committed to supporting employee growth through professional development and leadership opportunities. As an authorized Hyster® and Yale® dealer, the team continues to focus on helping customers work smarter, operate more efficiently, and prepare for future demands.

These recognitions highlight the strength of the Papé team and its continued commitment to delivering value to customers across our footprint in the region.

In ports and terminals, equipment decisions have direct effects on throughput, safety, and uptime. Standard lift trucks can serve many operations well, but container work creates a different level of demand. Loaded containers bring serious weight, awkward dimensions, tight schedules, and constant cycling. Add in outdoor exposure, uneven surfaces, and stacking requirements, and the job quickly moves into heavy-duty equipment territory.

This is where container handlers are essential. Built for demanding shipping environments, these machines keep freight moving when conventional equipment reaches its practical limits. For businesses managing high-volume container flow, heavy-duty equipment becomes part of the infrastructure that keeps the yard productive.

At Papé Material Handling, we support these operations with container handlers, reach stackers, terminal tractors, and the service network needed to keep equipment running.

What Is a Container Handler?

A container handler is a specialized heavy-duty truck designed to lift, move, and stack shipping containers safely and efficiently. These machines are engineered for repetitive, high-volume container handling in busy shipping facilities where performance and durability matter every hour of the day.

In our lineup, Hyster container handlers are built for the harsh environments common in intermodal terminals, railyards, and other shipping applications. Certain models are capable of stacking containers up to six high, which gives operators a significant advantage when yard density is a top priority.

Container handlers are closely related to reach stackers, though the application is a little different. A container handler is typically the right fit when high-volume lifting and stacking are at the center of the workflow.

Where Container Handlers Make the Most Sense

Common applications for container handlers include:

• Ports and Terminals: Fast cargo flow, limited yard space, and operator productivity all play a role in equipment selection. Heavy-duty solutions help manage congestion and maintain throughput.
• Intermodal Terminals and Railyards: These operations rely on frequent container transfers, repeat stacking, and dependable performance across long operating hours.
• Large Logistics and Shipping Facilities: Businesses with regular container movement need equipment built for consistent heavy lifting, not occasional specialty picks.

Container Handler vs. Reach Stacker

Container handlers and reach stackers both belong in the big truck conversation, but they solve slightly different problems.

• Container Handler: Often the best choice when repetitive lifting and stacking of containers is the core task. If the goal is efficient movement in a defined stacking pattern, these machines bring the strength and stability needed for the job.
• Reach Stacker: Better suited for operations that need extended reach, such as accessing containers across rows or working in more flexible stacking layouts.

Questions to Ask Before You Invest in a Container Handler

Start with these questions:

• How heavy are the containers you move most often?
• How high do you need to stack?
• How many hours per day will the machine run?
• Do you need dedicated stacking power or more reach and flexibility?
• Does a new purchase make sense, or would a used container handler or rental fit better?

Clear answers lead to better decisions and stronger long-term returns.

Why Support Matters as Much as the Machine

Downtime can ripple through your entire operation. A machine that’s unavailable at the wrong time can affect schedules, labor, trailer flow, and customer commitments. That’s why equipment decisions should also consider the level of service and support behind the machine. Papé Material Handling supports heavy-duty operations through several paths:

• New equipment
• Used equipment
• Rentals
• Financing options
• Repair and maintenance support

That flexibility matters when operations are growing, replacing aging units, or covering a temporary surge in demand. It also helps when a fleet needs a mix of ownership and rental strategies to stay efficient.

Regional support matters too. With locations across the West, service bays, technicians, and equipment resources are always nearby to support your operation.

If your operation is moving deeper into container work, talk with Papé Material Handling about container handlers, reach stackers, and other big truck solutions built for the job.

Winter conditions turn everyday material handling operations into a traction and uptime problem. Tire choice sits right at the intersection of safety, productivity, and total cost of ownership, as your tires are the first point of contact with every change in surface conditions.

At Papé Material Handling, we work with operations across the West and know winter can look very different depending on the location and type of operation. A lumber yard in the Northwest, a food facility with temperature swings, and a distribution center that runs tight aisles all face different challenges. The goals, though, are consistent: stable handling, predictable braking, and a tire setup that supports your environment and load profile.

Below is a practical guide to choosing between cushion, pneumatic, and non-marking tires when winter arrives.

Start with the Jobsite, Then Match the Tire

Before comparing tire types, map your actual travel path. A forklift that spends 90% of its time indoors might still face winter hazards if it crosses a dock apron or stages pallets in an outdoor covered zone. Identify:

• Primary Surface: Smooth concrete, asphalt, packed gravel
• Exposure: Indoor only, mixed indoor and outdoor, or outdoor yard worK
• Moisture and Temperature Swings: Condensation, washdowns, freeze-thaw cycles
• Debris and Puncture Risk: Scrap, splinters, nails, metal banding

With this as a baseline, the differences between cushion and pneumatic become clear.

Cushion Tires: Best for Smooth Indoor Surfaces in Winter Operations

Cushion tires are solid rubber molded to a steel band and are commonly used on forklifts designed for indoor work on smooth floors, especially where maneuverability matters in narrow aisles and tight turning environments.

In winter, cushion tires can be a strong fit when your operation stays on polished concrete and the priority is precision. They support fast, controlled handling in high-density storage and predictable steering around racking, staging lines, and docks.

Where winter complicates things is moisture. Condensation near open doors, wet pallets, and tracked-in slush can reduce grip on smooth concrete.

Cushion tires can still perform well but benefit from a strong housekeeping plan:

• Keep dock areas dry, especially near thresholds and door tracks
• Clean up tracked-in slush immediately
• Inspect tread condition and wear more frequently during wet weeks

Cushion tires also typically pair with lower-ground clearance trucks. That means transitions across uneven thresholds and rough outdoor surfaces call for extra caution, or may be a sign that a different tire setup is better for your operation.

Pneumatic Tires: Traction and Stability for Outdoor Winter Surfaces

Pneumatic tires bring thicker tread and better absorption over uneven ground. If your forklift has meaningful outdoor travel, pneumatics are often the practical winter choice.

Air-filled pneumatics resemble automotive tires and are frequently used for mixed applications that move between indoor and outdoor areas. They tend to be more forgiving on imperfect surfaces thanks to their ability to absorb bumps and inconsistent terrain. In winter, that can translate into smoother travel, better load control, and more operator confidence when surfaces are wet or uneven.

If storm debris, scattered scrap, exposed nails, or metal banding create greater puncture risk during winter, solid pneumatic tires can be a smart choice. You keep a lot of the durability and surface tolerance you want outside, while reducing downtime from flats.

Non-Marking Tires: Keep Floors Clean While Staying Winter-Ready

Non-marking refers to the tire compound, not the tire structure. You can get non-marking versions of cushion, pneumatic, and solid tires. They’re commonly used in sensitive environments: food, packaging, paper, and other applications where black marks are a problem.

In winter, non-marking tires come up frequently in facilities that juggle cleanliness and seasonal moisture. Think wet entry zones, strict sanitation expectations, or spaces where floor appearances really matter.

The key is pairing the non-marking compound with the right underlying tire type:

• Non-Marking Cushion: Great for indoor aisles and smooth concrete when floor appearance is a priority
• Non-Marking Pneumatic: Helpful for mixed indoor/outdoor operations that still need to protect finished floors in indoor zones

A Decision Checklist for Winter Conditions

• If your forklift work stays inside on smooth concrete, relies on tight turns, and you want low clearance and precision, cushion tires are often the right fit.
• If your trucks travel outside, cross uneven pavement, handle yard conditions, or operate on gravel, pneumatic tires usually provide the traction and shock absorption winter demands.
• If floor cleanliness and contamination control are central to your operation, non-marking options can be applied across tire categories to match the environment while protecting sensitive facilities.

Need Help Choosing a Winter Tire Setup?

Winter tire selection isn’t only about choosing a category; it also depends on correct sizing, site-specific realities, and consistent inspection. Forklifts are typically designed around either a pneumatic or cushion setup, and recommended sizing is usually found in the owner’s manual and/or on the tire sidewall.

That’s why winter is the season when fast support matters. When conditions change quickly, the difference between a straightforward tire swap and extended downtime often comes down to having the right tire spec in hand—and a team that can move quickly.

Ready to take the next step? A Product Support Representative from Papé Material Handling can conduct a complete site survey at your location to help determine the best seasonal or every day tire selection for your equipment. Contact your local Papé Material Handling to schedule.

Across industrial campuses, airports, universities, and hospitality properties, the challenge is the same: moving people safely and efficiently within a localized area. Whether it’s transporting employees between buildings, shuttling guests from parking to entry points, or supporting daily operations across expansive facilities, the right way to move people can have a direct impact on productivity, safety, and overall experience. Fusion Passenger Carts are available in three core models, Fusion 2+2, Fusion 4+2, and Fusion 6+2, so you can match capacity to your route and daily demand.

Papé Material Handling offers a range of Fusion Passenger Carts designed to meet these demands with purpose-built electric platforms. Available in multiple configurations, Fusion Carts are engineered for real-world fleet applications where reliability and flexibility are critical.

Designed for People-Moving Applications

Fusion Passenger Carts are built to operate in environments where space is often limited, traffic patterns are complex, and safety is paramount:

• Airports and transportation hubs
• Industrial plants and manufacturing facilities
• College and university campuses
• Hospitality properties and resorts
• Jobsites and large commercial developments
• Event venues and municipal facilities

Because these environments frequently change throughout the day, Fusion carts are designed to adapt. Rear flip seats convert quickly into cargo decks or flatbeds, allowing one vehicle to support multiple roles.

Fusion 2+2 Passenger Cart — Compact, electric people transport designed for tight spaces, short routes, and flexible daily use. 

Fusion 2+2: Compact, Nimble, and Highly Versatile

The Fusion 2+2 Electric Cart  is ideal for operations that need to move small groups of people through tighter spaces while maintaining full safety compliance. With seating for up to four passengers, the 2+2 offers a compact footprint that makes it easy to maneuver in crowded environments.

The rear flip seat converts to a cargo deck, making the 2+2 just as effective for tools, supplies, or equipment. This flexibility makes it a strong choice for maintenance teams, campus operations, and industrial facilities where priorities shift quickly.

Key Features of the Fusion 2+2

• Three-point seat belts for every passenger
• DOT safety glass windshield with electronic wiper
• Pedestrian noise emitter, backup alarm, and rearview camera
• Four-wheel premium hydraulic disc brakes
• Black aluminum wheels and a rugged, corrosion-resistant steel frame

Fusion 4+2 Passenger Cart — A balanced people-moving solution with seating for up to six and a rear flip seat for added versatility. 

Fusion 4+2: Balanced Capacity for Growing Fleets

For operations that need a little more capacity without sacrificing flexibility, the Fusion 4+2 Electric Cart offers an ideal balance. Seating up to six passengers, the 4+2 is well suited for parking shuttles, employee transport, hospitality guest movement, and campus circulation.

As with the 2+2, the rear seat flips down to create a flatbed when fewer passengers are onboard. This allows one vehicle to handle both people and light cargo transport, reducing the need for dedicated carts and simplifying fleet management.

The Fusion 4+2 shares the same robust safety and performance features found across the Fusion lineup, including:

• Three-point seat belts
• Backup camera and pedestrian noise emitter
• Side and center-mounted rearview mirrors
• Four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes
• DOT-approved windshield and electronic wiper

Fusion 6+2 Passenger Cart — High-capacity electric transport built for airports, universities, and large industrial campuses. 

Fusion 6+2: High-Capacity People Movement

When the goal is moving higher volumes of people efficiently, the Fusion 6+2 Electric Cart delivers. Capable of transporting up to eight passengers, the 6+2 is ideal for airport operations, large industrial campuses, university tours, and hospitality shuttle routes.

Despite its increased capacity, the Fusion 6+2 maintains the same safety-first design found across the Fusion family. Operators benefit from excellent visibility, strong braking performance, and integrated safety systems that help protect pedestrians and passengers alike.

The ability to use empty seating areas for cargo or convert the rear seating into a flatbed adds operational flexibility, ensuring the 6+2 remains productive even during off-peak passenger times.

Safety and Reliability Built Into Every Fusion Cart

Safety is engineered into every system. Features like three-point seat belts, pedestrian warning systems, backup cameras, and premium braking help reduce risk in busy environments where people and equipment operate side by side.

Equally important is long-term reliability. Every Fusion cart is powered by a lithium-ion battery backed by a full five-year warranty, offering peace of mind and predictable operating costs. The heated battery module helps maintain performance in colder conditions, while onboard charging simplifies daily operation.

A Smarter Fleet Investment with Papé Material Handling

Choosing Fusion passenger carts from Papé Material Handling means partnering with a trusted material handling provider that understands fleet uptime, safety requirements, and lifecycle value.

Whether your operation needs a compact people mover, a flexible shuttle solution, or a high-capacity transport vehicle, the Fusion 2+2, 4+2, and 6+2 offer scalable options designed to grow with your needs. With electric power, proven safety features, and adaptable configurations, Fusion passenger carts help organizations move people efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of safety and reliability.

To learn more about Fusion passenger carts and how they can support your operation, contact your local Papé Material Handling team.

When your crew is facing a one-off lift, renting a telehandler with the right specialty attachment is often the most cost-effective and low-risk solution. Telehandlers combine the reach of a crane with the maneuverability of a forklift, and today’s rental fleets offer more capacity, boom lengths, and attachment options than ever.

If your challenge is “unusual,” a rental telehandler configured for your exact task turns the unusual into routine.

Why Renting a Telehandler Is a Smart Move

There are several reasons why telehandler rentals are ideal for one-off lifts or specialty applications.

Purpose-Built for Reach and Rough Terrain

Unlike conventional forklifts, telehandlers are designed to travel uneven jobsites while extending loads out and up. Papé Material Handling’s rental lineup spans compact 5,000–6,000 lb machines through high-capacity units up to 15,000 lb, with lift heights from the high teens into the 60-foot range, so you can pick the right machine.

Flexibility Without Ownership Overhead

If you only occasionally need long reach or specialty handling, renting preserves capital while giving you access to newer models with features like four-wheel drive, extended reach, and—on select units—full 360-degree rotation.

That means better productivity without being locked into a configuration you might outgrow.

Top Brands, Readily Available

Papé Material Handling rents and sells telehandlers from trusted manufacturers like Genie, JLG, and Skyjack, so your operators get familiar controls and proven reliability.

Coverage Across the West

With more than 40 locations across seven western states, sourcing the model and attachments you need is quick and convenient.

Attachments That Handle Unusual Loads

Telehandler attachments excel at handling awkward shapes, long lengths, and materials that are tough to manage. The options below are available through Papé Material Handling and can dramatically improve safety, accuracy, and efficiency when matched to the right application.

Truss Boom

When you need extra forward reach to set roof trusses, light steel, or signage, a truss boom pushes the hook point out in front of the carriage without adding a lot of weight. It’s a simple solution when forks can’t safely reach.

Rotate Carriage

A rotating carriage allows the fork carriage to tilt left or right, making fine placement possible when a surface is uneven or you’re aligning to anchor points. Genie’s 72-inch rotate carriage, for example, allows up to 10 degrees of rotation in both directions. This is especially helpful for precise set-downs on uneven pads or platforms.

Multi-Purpose Buckets

Swapping forks for a bucket turns your telehandler into a rough-terrain loader for loose materials such as gravel, mulch, backfill, spoil, or snow. Genie’s heavy-duty bucket features a bolt-on cutting edge to stand up to abrasive work and boost productivity. It’s an easy win for short-term site cleanup between lifts.

Industrial Grapple Bucket

When the load is both bulky and unruly, like demolition debris, logs, brush, or scrap, the grapple bucket clamps down to stabilize material for safer transport. It reduces rehandling and drop hazards compared to forks alone.

Universal Skid Steer Adapter

This clever plate expands your attachment options by letting a telehandler interface with a wide range of skid steer tools. If your site already uses skid steer attachments for brooms, augers, or specialty buckets, the universal skid steer adapter helps one telehandler do many jobs and can reduce total equipment on site.

A Quick Spec Check Before You Reserve

To choose the right rental telehandler and attachment combination, lock in these essentials:

• Log Details: Know the actual weight, dimensions, and the load’s center of gravity. If the weight is variable (e.g., moisture content in landscaping products), spec for the heaviest case. Papé’s rental page groups machines by capacity and height to make this step easier.
• Pick and Place Geometry: Measure the maximum lift height and forward reach to the set-down point, including any parapets or obstructions. A truss boom can add valuable forward reach without oversizing the base machine.
• Ground Conditions: Soft or uneven ground drives you toward models with appropriate tires and four-wheel drive. If you’ll frequently position on slopes or irregular pads, consider a rotated carriage for alignment.
• Load Behavior: Loose, jagged, or springy materials benefit from grapple or bucket configurations for containment. Long stock prefers wider carriages and fork spread.
• Cycle Time and Utilization: If the telehandler will split time between lifting and cleanup, a bucket or skid-steer adapter may replace a second machine on site.
• Operator Visibility and Access: Compact telehandlers like the Genie GTH-5519 offer tight-site maneuverability for urban infill or inside yards while still delivering meaningful lift.

Safety and Productivity Go Hand in Hand

Odd loads can tempt crews into risky improvisations. A rental telehandler and purpose-built attachments replace unsafe and inefficient work-arounds with engineered control:

• Load Stability: Grapple and bucket attachments contain material to prevent shifting mid-travel. Rotate carriages fine-tune placement without side-loading the boom.
• Fewer Manual Touches: The right attachment reduces hand-rigging, tag lines, and personnel near the load, lowering exposure without slowing the schedule.
• Right-Sized Equipment: With a wide range of capacities and lift heights, you can choose a compact machine for tight yards or a high-capacity model for heavy picks.

And if your team wants backup,  Papé Material Handling’s support network and product specialists can guide attachment selection and maintenance planning to maximize uptime throughout your rental term.

Getting Started with Papé Material Handling

If you know your load, geometry, and ground conditions, you’re already halfway there. Share those details with your local Papé rental specialist to zero in on the right capacity class and attachment set. The team can quote telehandlers by capacity and height and confirm compatibility with truss booms, rotate carriages, buckets, and adapters.

Ready to spec your rental? Explore telehandler options and request a rental with Papé Material Handling.

If peak seasons make or break your operation, you’ve seen how quickly a smooth-running warehouse can get overloaded. Orders pile up, aisles tighten, and your main forklift fleet hits its limit. You need more capacity fast, but you don’t necessarily need more equipment all year long.

That’s exactly where a smart short-term rental strategy comes in. With one of the largest material handling rental fleets in the West and dozens of locations spanning across California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, and Montana, Papé Rents helps businesses add flexible surge capacity without locking up capital in equipment that sits idle once the rush is over.

Start with Historical Data

Effective seasonal surge planning starts long before the first big order drops. Look at your historical data:

• Daily order volumes and lines picked
• Dock-to-stock times
• Overtime hours
• Equipment utilization by truck type

As you monitor your workflow over time, patterns start to emerge. Maybe outbound staging backs up when forklifts are tied up, or picker productivity drops while they wait for a narrow-aisle truck. And during busy seasons, an annual inventory count on top of regular volume might expose the need for more pallet jacks.

Once you understand where the pressure points are, you can match those needs to specific rental equipment: additional electric forklifts for multi-shift indoor work, cushion-tire units for intense dock activity, or extra pallet jacks and reach equipment to keep fast-moving SKUs flowing.

Right-Size Your Surge Fleet Without Overbuying

Short-term rentals let you scale up for peak periods without paying for underutilized assets during the rest of the year. Papé Rents rental fleet includes a wide range of late-model, low-hour equipment from industry-leading manufacturers like Hyster®, Yale®, and Genie®, so you can fine-tune your surge fleet instead of taking whatever’s available.

• Electric Forklifts: Ideal for indoor use, multi-shift operations, and environments where emissions are a concern.
• IC Cushion Tire Forklifts: Compact, maneuverable, and perfect for busy docks and smooth indoor surfaces.
• IC Pneumatic Tire Forklifts: Rugged enough for yards and facilities that shift between indoors and outdoors.
• High-Capacity Trucks: Essential for lumber, building materials, and other heavy seasonal loads.

Because these units are maintained by factory-trained technicians using OEM parts and inspected after every rental, you’re gaining surge capacity and reliability.

Align Rental Terms with Your Seasonality

Not all peaks look alike. A retail distribution center might need extra forklifts and order pickers for six to eight weeks around the holidays. A food processor might experience intense, short bursts around harvest. A manufacturer might surge when a key customer launches a new product.

Papé Rents offers short-term and longer seasonal rentals, so you can align the contract to reality instead of forcing your operation into a one-size-fits-all agreement.

A simple three-stage approach works well:

1. Pre-peak: Bring in a portion of your surge fleet a few weeks early to train operators, validate travel paths, and ensure charging or fueling infrastructure is ready.
2. Peak: Ramp to full rental capacity when forecasted volume hits, assigning specific trucks to high-priority tasks or zones.
3. Post-peak: Scale back as volume normalizes, keeping only what you need until operations fully stabilize.

With a number of Papé Rents locations across the western United States, equipment and support are close at hand if the season gets busier than expected.

Protect Uptime: Service, Parts, and Support Included

Peak season is not the time to gamble on aging equipment. One of the biggest advantages of renting from Papé Material Handling is that you’re backed by a dealer network built around uptime. Factory-trained technicians inspect each rental unit after every use and maintain the fleet using OEM parts so the equipment shows up ready to work.

If something does go wrong, you’re not left scrambling to find a local shop. Papé’s service teams and extensive parts inventory are already in place to keep you moving, minimizing downtime when every minute counts.

Turn Seasonal Stress into a Strategic Advantage

Seasonal spikes aren’t going away, but they don’t have to be a source of constant stress. With a thoughtful short-term rental strategy, you can turn your busiest periods into a competitive advantage. By planning early, right-sizing your surge fleet, matching rental terms to your actual seasonality, and leaning on Papé Material Handling’s rental and warehouse expertise, you can keep orders flowing, support your team, and capture more revenue when demand is highest.

Ready to get ahead of your next busy season? Connect with your local Papé Material Handling or Papé Rents location and start building a seasonal surge plan that keeps you moving, no matter how busy it gets.

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.

A Golden State Lumber operator uses an electric forklift from Papé Material Handling to load a pallet of lumber—part of the company’s transition to a fully electric fleet. 

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.

In the fast-paced world of wholesale building materials, success depends on speed, efficiency, and reliability at every link in the supply chain. OrePac Building Products thrives in this demanding environment thanks to a trusted partnership with two Papé divisions: Papé Kenworth and Papé Material Handling.

From highways to warehouse floors, Papé provides OrePac with the tools, equipment, and expertise required to move product and keep customers satisfied. Watch how OrePac runs strong with Hyster forklifts from Papé.

OrePac: A Leader in Building Materials

Since its founding in 1977, OrePac has grown into one of the most respected distributors of building products in the West. With ten strategically located distribution centers, OrePac supplies contractors, builders, and retailers with everything from doors and decking to millwork, siding, windows, weatherization systems, and hardware.

The company’s mission is clear: “make complicated simple” by providing “unmatched service, operations, and logistics.” And to do that, OrePac relies on a finely tuned logistics network backed by Papé Kenworth and Papé Material Handling.

On the Road: Papé Kenworth’s Impact

Efficient distribution starts on the road, so OrePac’s ability to keep customers supplied depends on a reliable fleet of trucks that can deliver thousands of products safely and on time. Learn more about how Papé Kenworth’s trucks keep OrePac fuel efficient, durable, and comfortable here.

Strength Behind the Scenes: Papé Material Handling’s Role

While trucks are responsible for transporting OrePac materials across the West, Papé Material Handling ensures warehouse operations run smoothly behind the scenes.

• Forklifts Built for Heavy Loads – OrePac’s warehouses handle doors, lumber, decking, and other bulky building materials. Papé Material Handling supplies high-capacity forklifts capable of lifting, stacking, and transporting heavy loads with precision and safety.
• Adaptable Solutions for Every Facility – From electric forklifts for indoor operations to internal combustion models for outdoor yards, Papé Material Handling offers equipment tailored to OrePac’s unique operational requirements. When demand spikes, OrePac also benefits from flexible rental options, ensuring they always have the right equipment on hand during peak periods.
• Unmatched Regional Support – With 40+ locations across five states, Papé Material Handling delivers fast access to parts, maintenance, and training services. This ensures OrePac’s warehouses stay productive, even when unexpected challenges arise.

A Unified Approach

What makes this partnership especially powerful and efficient is the synergy between Papé Kenworth and Material Handling. OrePac doesn’t just receive high-quality trucks and forklifts; it gains access to comprehensive service, support, and strategic planning designed to keep operations moving.

• Seamless Fleet and Warehouse Integration – OrePac’s trucks and lifts work together as part of a larger, coordinated system. Papé’s specialists help OrePac optimize workflows, matching equipment with operational needs to maximize efficiency across the entire supply chain.
• Proactive Maintenance and Training – Beyond supplying the equipment itself, Papé offers driver and operator training, preventive maintenance programs, and remote monitoring solutions. This comprehensive approach empowers OrePac’s team to work more efficiently while extending the lifespan of its machinery investments.

Results That Deliver: Moving Forward Together

At Papé, we measure success by our customers’ success. For OrePac, that means keeping trucks on the road, forklifts in motion, and products flowing smoothly from warehouse to jobsite.

With Papé Kenworth and Papé Material Handling working in tandem, OrePac is better equipped than ever to deliver on its promise of making complicated simple.

Papé. Keeps You Moving.

Warehouses and distribution centers are managing more SKUs than ever before. While a broader product mix can help meet customer demand, it also introduces significant challenges around warehouse storage, picking efficiency, and safety.

Below, we break down the most common problems warehouses face as SKUs increase, as well as proven solutions to improve productivity and order accuracy.

What Challenges Do Increasing SKUs Pose for Warehouse Operations?

As product lines expand, warehouse managers must handle inventory management at an entirely new scale. The three most common order picking challenges include:

1. Storage Challenges

• Limited Storage Space: As SKUs multiply, existing shelving often reaches capacity.
• Mixed Inventory Issues: Combining multiple SKUs in the same bin or shelf slot slows down picking and leads to more mistakes.
• Shift Away from Bulk Orders: With full-pallet picking becoming less common, small-batch and single-item picking require even more organized storage systems.

Impact on business: Poor storage layouts force managers to prioritize customers, which can ultimately lead to longer fulfillment times and dissatisfied clients.

2. Productivity Challenges

Order picking accounts for up to 55% of warehouse operating costs. Without a strategic approach, adding more SKUs can slow everything down.

• Inefficient layouts cause employees to walk longer distances to complete orders.
• Mixing SKUs in a single bin increases search times and errors.
• Mistakes in picking lead to costly returns and lower customer satisfaction.

Maintaining organization is key to keeping productivity high as SKU counts grow.

3. Safety Challenges

The more SKUs you manage, the busier your facility becomes, which increases the risk of accidents.

• Overstocked shelves and disorganized racks make falling products more likely.
• Inexperienced or rushed operators are more prone to injury.
• More equipment and foot traffic increase the chance of collisions.

According to OSHA, 70% of forklift accidents are preventable with proper training and maintenance.

How Can Warehouses Address Storage Limitations from More SKUs?

When SKU counts rise, the right storage optimization strategy is essential:

• Consult with a Warehouse Product Specialist: Request a flow assessment to evaluate how inventory is stored and picked.
• Adopt High-Density Racking Systems: Increase usable space while keeping SKUs separated and accessible.
• Use Narrow-Aisle Picking Equipment: Smaller, more agile forklifts and order pickers help maximize vertical storage.

What Strategies Improve Order Picking Efficiency Amid SKU Growth?

Enhancing picking efficiency reduces costs and keeps fulfillment on schedule. Key strategies include:

• Designate a Unique Pick Location for Every SKU: Avoid mixing SKUs to minimize confusion and picking errors.
• Create ABC Velocity Zones: Place fast-moving products (“A” items) in central, easily accessible locations to speed up order picking.
• Prioritize Ground-Level Storage: Store high-demand SKUs where they’re easiest to reach to reduce vertical picking time.
• Implement a Warehouse Management System (WMS): A modern WMS tracks inventory in real time, optimizes picking routes, and integrates with warehouse automation technologies to significantly reduce errors and labor costs.

How Can Warehouses Maintain Safety with Increasing SKU Volume?

Growing SKU counts don’t just affect storage and productivity. They also introduce warehouse safety challenges:

• Provide Continuous Employee Training: Educate new and temporary staff on picking hazards and proper material handling.
• Equip Operators with Proper Tools: Ensure ladders, platforms, and personal fall protection gear meet OSHA standards.
• Maintain Forklifts and Other Equipment Regularly: Following manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedules prevents breakdowns and accidents.
• Follow Rack Safety Best Practices: Don’t overload shelving, secure loose items, and keep aisles clear to prevent collisions.

We Can Help Optimize Your Order Picking Process

Managing SKU growth is a challenge, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Papé Material Handling, our experts help warehouses and distribution centers improve inventory management, storage optimization, and picking efficiency.

Contact a warehouse product specialist at your nearest Papé Material Handling location today and discover solutions tailored to your facility’s needs.

Every safe lift is a win. Keep operations moving by putting forklift safety first—because strong crews drive strong results. Learn more on our blog on how Yale Lift Truck Technologies is raising the bar for forklift safety.

https://www.papemh.com/blog/object-detection-that-saves-lives-how-yale-reliant-is-raising-the-bar-for-forklift-safety/