Above: With a reach of up to 21 metres and a high load capacity, the SENNEBOGEN 850 G Hybrid delivers the performance required for demanding loading and unloading operations in port handling. Photo: © Studio Cohen.
 
Société Gras, based in northern France, handles around one million tonnes of goods annually –– the majority of which is bulk cargo transported via waterways, writes Estelle Peyret and Lisa-Maria Heigl. To reliably meet the growing demands of port handling, the company has specifically expanded its fleet: a SENNEBOGEN 850 G Hybrid has been in operation since 2025.
 
LOGISTICS WITH A FOCUS ON WATERWAYS
The company, based in Beugny (Pas-de-Calais), was founded around 20 years ago by Maximilien Gras and now employs around 20 people. Its main focus is on organizing complex logistics flows –– particularly those involving both road and water transport.
 
This involves not only the handling of bulk goods, but also palletized goods and industrial products. The demands placed on the technology used are correspondingly high.
 
A HIGH-PERFORMANCE FLEET FOR DAILY HANDLING
When it comes to its fleet of machinery, Société Gras has relied predominantly on SENNEBOGEN for many years. In total, around 15 material handling machines in the 50 to 70-tonne weight class are in operation.
 
The key factors behind this decision are, above all, the robust construction, high load-bearing capacity and the efficiency of the Green Hybrid technology.
 
The equipment also plays an important role in day-to-day use:
 
  • the SENcon control system allows for customization of operating parameters and defined working areas;
  • the spacious cab ensures a comfortable working environment even during long shifts; and
  • the mobile version offers advantages when moving between different locations within the port.
THE 850 G HYBRID EXPANDS THE FLEET
The addition of the SENNEBOGEN 850 G Hybrid has specifically expanded the fleet with a high-performance material-handling solution for demanding applications. The machine has a reach of up to 21 metres, making it particularly suitable for loading and unloading operations in the port.
 
Thanks to the integrated Green Hybrid technology, some of the energy generated during deceleration can be recovered and reused. This has a positive effect on fuel consumption, reducing it by around 30%.
 
“The material handler is exactly what we need to work efficiently and cost-effectively. It allows us to offer our customers a reliable service whilst providing our operators with a well-designed piece of equipment,” explains Maximilien Gras.
 
COLLABORATION WITH SYGMAT
Société Gras is supported by Sygmat, SENNEBOGEN’s French sales partner. In addition to supplying the machines, long-term support plays a key role — from commissioning through to ongoing maintenance.
“We are united by a shared understanding of efficient and sustainable handling technology. This close collaboration pays off in day-to-day operations,” says Jérémy Sobczak, Sales Manager at Sygmat.