13.08.2025

Robust electric forklift helps harvest at historic oil mill

The Société Oléicole de Pélissanne operates the historic ‘Moulin des Costes’ oil mill, which was founded in 1786. 2024 was an exceptional harvest year with record production of high-quality olive oil. Up to 30 tonnes of olives are processed every day, supplied by a total of 2,500 local producers. To ensure the timely processing of the harvest, Le Moulin des Costes was looking for a reliable and simple electric forklift truck suitable for the demanding environment. With the RCE 30 electric forklift truck, the company found what it was looking for in the STILL online shop.

Aerial view of a stone building complex with forklifts and containers in the courtyard, surrounded by trees in autumn colours.

During the peak season, from October to the end of December, the Moulin des Costes team works tirelessly for up to 15 hours a day to ensure that the fruit is processed into olive oil quickly and efficiently. In less than 48 hours, the olives are pressed and processed into two types of olive oil: Oil from ripe olives, obtained by fermentation in closed wooden crates, and oil from fresh olives, pressed immediately after harvesting. This commitment was recently rewarded at the Concours Régional des Huiles d'Olive. At this prestigious competition, Le Moulin des Costes won five gold medals and one silver medal, an honour that underlines the exceptional quality of its oils, which are appreciated far beyond Provence.

Modern logistics for a historic mill

Le Moulin des Costes has set itself the goal of optimising and at the same time preserving the listed mill and has invested in a new electric forklift truck that is ideally suited to this goal - the RCE 30 from STILL. With this decision, the company is responding to the logistical challenges of the location, particularly the uneven terrain, gravel paths and narrow historic doorways.

We had a number of different requirements,” explains company director Emile Bonnet. “We needed a forklift truck that was versatile, reliable and easy to use, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, and all at an affordable price.

To meet these requirements, the customer finally chose the RCE 30 (3 tonnes load capacity) directly from the STILL shop. This four-wheel electric forklift truck guarantees emission-free operation. It is perfect for handling food products and is an efficient option that also guarantees reliable performance.

Thanks to its compact design and manoeuvrability, the RCE 30 navigates through confined spaces with ease, especially in the confined spaces of the mill. The truck has a high ground clearance and large wheels, allowing it to move effortlessly over uneven ground such as cobbles or gravel and to move easily between indoor and outdoor areas.

Robust and low-maintenance, the RCE 30 is an excellent choice for businesses like Le Moulin des Costes, which have occasional material handling needs of moderate intensity throughout the year but which can also experience sharp peaks in activity at any one time. Its pre-configured equipment package also enables fast delivery and an attractive price.

Purchasing made easy thanks to the STILL shop

We were able to order the truck directly online via the STILL shop,” says Emile Bonnet. “The platform is very easy to use, but what really made the difference was the advice from the STILL teams. They took the time to understand our specific needs and guided us towards the model that was best suited to our working environment. Thanks to the personal support they provided, we were able to make an informed decision and finalise the order quickly and with complete confidence.

The intuitive platform provides access to a wide range of material handling equipment and personalised support. The shop’s practical and clear interface makes to compare models, configure equipment as required and complete the order in just a few clicks.

The STILL shop also offers expert advice, transparent order tracking and flexible financing options to ensure an effective and hassle-free shopping experience.

Thanks to tradition and innovation, Le Moulin des Costes continues to establish itself as a benchmark in the olive oil industry. Its commitment to quality and its choice of trucks such as the STILL RCE 30 are proof of its desire to combine craftsmanship with logistical efficiency. With a solution tailored to its needs, the mill not only optimises production but also ensures continuity in its production processes - something that lovers of exceptional olive oil also appreciate.