The Raymond Corporation is now an independent distributor for the sale, rental and lease of Plug Power GenDrive fuel cell units in North America

Plug Power Inc has designated Raymond Corp as the first independent distributor and service provider for North American sale, rental and lease of Plug Power's GenDrive-brand fuel cell units.

From a distribution standpoint, this arrangement is a first-of-its-kind agreement for the materials handling and fuel cell industries.

"Raymond's leading AC technology (and) Plug Power's proven GenDrive solutions will bring superior power and performance to the electric lift truck market," says Andy Marsh, chief executive officer of publicly traded Latham, New York-based Plug Power. "By investigating and commercialising new technologies to power its durable, reliable lift trucks, Raymond is helping to offer companies a seamless solution for installing fuel cell-powered lift trucks."

Plug Power remains active with other original equipment manufacturers of forklift trucks and is hopeful those OEMs might continue with the momentum Raymond has displayed. Raymond is an operation of the materials handling group of Toyota Industries Corp of Kariya, Japan.

As an authorised distributor and service provider, Raymond can provide parts, warranty and maintenance service on GenDrive products and, simultaneously, serve as a technology advocate in the market.

"Through this agreement, Raymond and its (North American) sales and service centre network can aid companies in the deployment of fuel-cell-powered lift trucks and provide ongoing service and support throughout the life of the trucks," says Chuck Pascarelli, executive vice president of sales and marketing with Greene-based Raymond.

GenDrive fuel cell power units are approved for use in Raymond model 8400 pallet trucks, model 4100 and 4200 stand-up counterbalanced trucks and various model 7400 Reach-Fork trucks. Evaluation of other Raymond forklift models is under way.