STILL can also do forklift trucks ‘with extras’
Customised STILL forklift truck for real-life inclusion
A specially designed forklift truck enables Patrick Mattern, an employee of small stature at Voss Edelstahl, to work safely and independently in the warehouse. The truck was developed in cooperation between Voss Edelstahl, STILL and special vehicle manufacturer Barrus Engineering. The key feature is an electrically adjustable driver's platform that can be individually adjusted and flexibly used by other colleagues.
When Patrick Mattern drives through the warehouse at Voss Edelstahl, you would not know at first glance that he is smaller than average. The enthusiastic employee may be small in stature, but his forklift movements are as routine and efficient as those of any other driver in the team. This was made possible by a joint project between Voss Edelstahl, STILL and Barrus Engineering. Their aim was to create a forklift truck that would meet Mattern's needs without compromise, but would also be usable by colleagues of average height.
A forklift truck like no other
"For me, this isn't just a forklift truck. It's my workplace, my tool and my independence," says Patrick Mattern as he expertly lifts a collar with steel bars from a cantilever rack. Thanks to the customised, electrically adjustable driver's platform, he sits perfectly - with a clear view, direct access to all controls and full control of the vehicle. "I feel safe, fast and fully integrated into the company's operations. And best of all: No one has to help me anymore."
From idea to innovation
The initiative came from Voss Edelstahl at the end of 2022. Marcel Rab, warehouse manager at the Neu Wulmstorf site, recalls: "We wanted to give Patrick the opportunity to work with a forklift truck as a matter of course. But standard solutions such as pedal extensions were out of the question for safety reasons.”
So they turned to STILL, with whom they already had a long-standing partnership. It quickly became clear that a special design was needed for this requirement. André Sievers, project manager at STILL, reports: "We knew we couldn't do it alone. That's why we brought Barrus Engineering on board. Our colleagues there are absolute specialists when it comes to customised vehicles."
Technology meets benevolence
Barrus worked closely with STILL and Voss to develop an electrically height-adjustable floor plate for the driver's platform. At the touch of a button, it can be lowered with millimetre precision or raised to a standard height. "The platform is equipped with intelligent sensors that monitor positioning, operational safety and stability," explains a Barrus developer. "It can be adjusted in just a few seconds and requires no maintenance."
The collaboration required not only technical expertise, but also empathy and team spirit. Measurements were taken, adjustments were made, tests were carried out - and Patrick Mattern himself was always involved. "I was involved right from the start," says Mattern. "It felt good to know that my opinion mattered. I was allowed to try everything out, make suggestions for improvements and in the end a truck was created that suits me perfectly".
Inclusion put into practice
The special vehicle was officially handed over to Voss in September 2024. Since then it has been in daily use, both for Patrick Mattern and his colleagues. This is because the platform can be returned to its standard height at any time at the push of a button.
Marcel Rab sums it up: "This project shows how important it is to respond to the individual needs of employees. Thanks to the close cooperation of all those involved, we were able to develop a solution that is both functional and humane."
STILL's André Sievers also emphasises: "Projects like this are not commonplace. But they show what is possible when you face a challenge with an open mind, technical expertise and the right attitude."
The outlook: An example for other sectors?
The partners agree that the project is exemplary. "What we have achieved here together could set a precedent in other industries," says a representative of Barrus Engineering. "Sometimes you just need the courage to rethink things."
Patrick Mattern smiles as he rolls through the warehouse again, positioning the forks securely under a pallet: "For me, this forklift truck means not only more independence, but also respect. I'm not treated as an exception here, but simply as part of the team."
One forklift truck. Three partners. One vision.
With the custom-made truck for Patrick Mattern, Voss Edelstahl, STILL and Barrus Engineering have impressively demonstrated how technical innovation and genuine cooperation can create real accessibility - in the sense of an inclusive working world.
