Multinational consumer goods giant Proctor & Gamble Co (P&G) plans to convert battery-operated forklifts to units with Plug Power Inc hydrogen fuel cells at three facilities.

P&G says it will have more than 200 fuel-cell powered forklifts at its California, North Carolina, and Louisiana manufacturing sites, and is studying two other sites for possible future conversions.

Plug Power, of Latham, New York, disclosed the P&G commitment in its 15 May quarterly financial report and will complete the conversions to its GenDrive technology within weeks.

Stefano Zenezini, vice president for P&G's global family care product supply and global product supply sustainability, says: "Fuel cell forklifts can be a financially attractive proposition that increases productivity while helping us reach our sustainability vision." "Our internal analysis shows we can not only achieve sustainability benefits but also an attractive rate of return on our investment at the same time."

Cincinnati-based P&G reports 2011 sales of USD82.6 billion and fifth place ranking on Fortune magazine's list of the world's most admired companies.