Forklift manufacturer Raymond Corporation has opened a new advanced energy storage solutions development, prototyping and test centre in New York’s Finger Lakes region to investigate new technologies for its equipment and that of sister company, Toyota’s material handling brands.

The solutions being developed will focus on lithium-ion batteries and fuel cells for materials handling products.

Raymond has also announced it will also lease an additional facility in Monroe County for testing and validating fuel cell systems for its products. 

This project has received the financial support of New York’s Empire State Development (ESD) government organisation which is delivering USD400,000 in funding through the performance-based Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit Program for the promised creation of up to 20 new jobs. 

The total project cost has been placed at almost USD1.9 million and is expected to be fully operational by late 2027.

ESD president and CEO, Hope Knight says: “The Raymond Corporation’s continued development of next-gen energy applications for the lift truck industry reflects its impressive commitment to the Finger Lakes region and the positive economic benefits for companies choosing to build their businesses in the Empire State”.

Jennifer Lupo, VP technology solutions at Toyota Materials Handling North America adds the opening of the new facilities in the area “reflects our strategic focus on advancing clean energy technologies that support our customers and the broader material handling industry”.