Lift truck fleet will run on more than 200 fuel cell power units.

-- Modern Materials Handling, 12/11/2008 2:06:00 PM

Central Grocers, Inc. has purchased 220 GenDrive fuel cell units from Plug Power Inc. to power the entire lift truck fleet at its new distribution center. The center is currently under construction in Joliet, Illinois, and is expected to be operational by the end of the first quarter of 2009.

Powering the entire Yale lift truck fleet with fuel cells was based on two primary justifications: first, it would eliminate the need to invest in a battery charging and changing infrastructure at this Greenfield site, reducing operational costs and opening up valuable floor space for the distribution business. Second, fuel cells will reduce the carbon footprint of the distribution center.

The GenDrive units will be fueled by compressed hydrogen gas, which is converted from liquid hydrogen. The units are fueled by the lift truck operator at a conveniently located dispenser, much like fueling an automobile. Air Products will supply both the liquid hydrogen storage compression system as well as multiple indoor fueling dispensers.