Toyota Material Handling North America (TMHNA) has further committed to its electrification and sustainability ambitions by making a strategic investment in battery charging technology provider, Advanced Charging Technologies (ACT).

Under the deal, Brett Wood, president and CEO of TMHNA, which is made up of the Raymond Corporation and Toyota Material Handling brands, will serve on ACT’s board of directors to “help guide strategic direction and accelerate shared growth opportunities”.

ACT develops battery charging solutions for the materials handling industry and has been a long-standing provider of charging solutions to both Raymond and Toyota.

ACT will continue to serve TMHNA’s distribution network and, as part of this deal, will expand its reach.

“ACT has been a trusted partner for many years, providing proven, reliable technologies that support our vision of advancing sustainable, electric-powered solutions in the material handling industry,” TMHNA’s Wood says. 

“Through this investment, we are strengthening that relationship while opening new opportunities to serve our customers with innovative, integrated energy solutions.”

Bob Istwan, CEO of ACT, says the move is an important step in its own future.

“Partnering with the global leader in electric material handling equipment opens a significant channel for growth and allows us to combine our world-class product offerings to bring solutions to market faster,” he adds.

The value of TMHNA's investment in ACT was not released.