Raymond, Ballard Partner for Fuel Cell Research

GREENE, N.Y.—The Raymond Corp. announced it has signed a joint development agreement with Ballard Power Systems to research lift truck designs and develop a prototype fuel-cell-powered lift truck.

The announcement was made at NA 2008, the material handling and logistics show presented by the Material Handling Industry of America in Cleveland. The prototype will use Ballard’s Mark9 SSL fuel-cell technology, according to Raymond.

“We are pleased to partner with an important material handling equipment manufacturer of Raymond’s caliber,” says John Sheridan, president and CEO of Ballard. “Raymond has a deep understanding of end-user needs, and we believe that a successful prototype could represent the first important step toward purpose-built, fuel-cell lift trucks.”

“This partnership will further enhance our research into fuel-cell-powered lift trucks and help uncover additional value related to the merging of these technologies,” adds James Malvaso, president and CEO of Raymond.