Martin still on the move after 18 years in the driver's seat

Case Few of us can boast of having worn a Linde electric forklift out. Someone who can, however, is Martin Kjærsgaard from Niebuhr Gears in Ikast. Since 2004, he has clocked up more than 14,000 hours in a wheelchair accessible Linde electric forklift truck from N.C. Nielsen. This has now been replaced with a brand-new Linde E18 EVO electric forklift, which he operates using a highly advanced joystick.

In 2002 Martin Kjærsgaard was involved in a traffic accident that left him partially paralysed. This did not slow down the young, agriculturally educated man's interest in mechanical engineering, however, and a few years later, he was able to start working a flexi-job as forklift operator at Niebuhr Gears.

Today, Martin Kjærsgaard is 41 years old. He has absolutely no plans of stopping. Four days a week, for four-hour shifts, he drives the forklift at Niebuhr Gears. He uses the Linde electric forklift truck to empty swarf bins, pick pallets with metal items, transport oil barrels and help keep the busy industrial workplace neat and tidy.

"It's fun to drive in the new electric forklift from Linde. It's pretty advanced and reacts quickly when I activate the joystick. I can highlight the smooth driving style, the 'hill hold' function for driving on ramps and a small screen, from where I can keep an eye on the angle of the forks," says Martin Kjærsgaard.

Custom design

Martin Kjærsgaard visited N.C. Nielsen in Balling together with maintenance manager Mikael Fosgerau Pedersen, The slim electric forklift truck from Linde had to fit exactly to Martin, with a joystick and mounts for the scanner, computer and mirror tailored precisely to Martin's needs, as no one should have to cut corners with equipment.

"We're pleased that we've been able to help Martin play an important role in the company. He is an extremely stable, loyal and determined employee, who contributes a great deal with his hard work. We make the best equipment available and with the adapted Linde truck, we're geared up for his work ahead," says Mikael Fosgerau Pedersen from Niebuhr Gears.

Martin has had a special passenger platform lift manufactured so that he can safely and easily move from his wheelchair into the Linde truck. He then starts the forklift with his personal ignition key, activates the screens, checks the charger and places his tools ready for use in the truck, and then he's up and running.

"It's easy to get started with the day's tasks, and I've created a certain working routine here at the company. Each day brings many exciting, and sometimes unexpected, tasks. So it's important to have a well-functioning forklift available. This can't just be switched out for another one," points out Martin Kjærsgaard.

Niebuhr Gears operates with a machine fleet of 50 lifting units, and the new Linde electric forklift truck is not given the opportunity to sit around gathering dust. The Linde truck can also be operated by other employees, who then use the twin pedal system for driving rather than the joystick – and, not withstanding the special adaptations for Martin Kjærsgaard, in the same way as all the other Linde E18 EVO electric forklift trucks.

Diverse workplace

With the Linde solution for Martin Kjærsgaard, Niebuhr Gears strengthens its position as a diverse workplace where there is room for people to work flexi-jobs. The company regularly employs staff with reduced work capacity, ensures training for adult apprentices, offers extra education for those with dyslexia and also has many social activities for all of its employees.

"I feel valued at Niebuhr Gears, where for many years I've been given the opportunity to be a part of the company. We have a good camaraderie at the factory, where we get the job done together. I'm also pleased that it was possible to adapt a Linde truck to suit my needs so precisely. I have not become any less picky over the years," rounds off Martin Kjærsgaard with a smile.

Custom design

Diverse workplace

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