Operational reliability is critical when it comes to fast-moving cold storage and food logistics environments. From sub-zero temperatures to tight warehouse layouts, every decision – from equipment selection to energy strategy - directly impacts efficiency, safety and throughput.
As part of the RWTA 2026 Chilled Out Series, Marianne Kintzel, Executive Officer of the Refrigerated Warehouse & Transport Association (RWTA), spoke with Alexander Leon, Head of Key Accounts and Business Development at Linde Material Handling, about how Linde supports cold chain businesses and why collaboration with customers is central to delivering the right solutions.
A consultative approach to warehouse solutions
Cold chain operations are complex, and no two facilities are the same. According to Alex, the starting point is not the equipment, but the operation itself.
Linde adopts a consultative approach, working closely with customers to understand their:
- Current and future operational requirements
- Storage configurations such as double-deep or drive-in racking
- Sustainability goals and energy strategies
- Commercial considerations and long-term scalability
“With the depth of our range, the key is working collaboratively with customers from the start,” Alex explains. “We take the time to understand their requirements before recommending the most suitable equipment and technologies.”
With a broad product range available, selecting the right solution is critical. For example, even within a standard 2.5-tonne electric counterbalance category, multiple configurations exist, each suited to different applications. The goal is simple: match the right truck to the right task, not just for today, but for where the operation is heading.
Powering cold storage with lithium-ION
Power strategy has become one of the most important considerations in cold storage environments. Linde’s lithium-ion solutions are designed to operate across a wide range of freezer conditions. This flexibility allows operations to move away from traditional battery exchange processes.
“Over 95% of our product range can adopt a lithium-ion solution directly from factory that can operate in freezers up to minus 22 degrees. We can also accommodate freezer rooms down to minus 32 using our NMC lithium range.”
What this means in practice:
- Elimination of battery change rooms and spare battery storage
- Reduced labour requirements
- Increased available warehouse space
- Improved safety by removing manual battery handling
For multi-shift operations, this can significantly streamline workflows while supporting longer operating hours.
Enhancing safety in high-risk environments
Cold chain facilities often involve tight aisles, reduced visibility and high traffic volumes. Managing interactions between forklifts and pedestrians is critical.
Linde integrates multiple safety technologies to address these challenges:
AI-based camera systems
Detect pedestrians and automatically reduce truck speed in real time.
“AI cameras fitted to forklifts can help reduce speeds when pedestrians are detected. That’s becoming a really interesting area for customers.”
Linde Safety Guard System
A factory-integrated solution that enables:
- Automatic speed reduction at intersections
- Controlled movement near roller doors
- Improved separation between trucks and pedestrians
“We can create automatic slowdowns when turning corners or approaching roller doors to reduce the potential for impacts between trucks or with pedestrians.”
These systems are designed to support safer operations without interrupting productivity.
Adapting to changing storage demands
Storage density continues to increase across the cold chain sector, placing greater emphasis on equipment capability.
Linde has expanded its offering in reach truck solutions, including the introduction of pantograph reach trucks to the Australian market. This allows operators to better support:
- Double-deep racking configurations
- High-density storage layouts
- More efficient use of available space
“We’ve seen a lot of inroads with the release of our pantograph reach truck. It’s really opened up how we can support that market.”
This expansion reflects a broader shift towards more flexible, application-specific equipment solutions.
As cold chain operations become more complex, the margin for inefficiency continues to shrink. The right decisions around equipment, power and safety are no longer optional. They are critical to keeping operations moving.
Linde’s approach focuses on understanding these challenges upfront and delivering solutions that are built for real-world conditions.
Watch the full interview to hear directly from Alexander Leon on how Linde is helping cold storage operators optimise performance.