The Berea, Ky., manufacturing facility that manufactures 1–9 ton internal combustion engine Hyster® lift trucks was honored today with Plant Engineering’s prestigious 2011 Top Plant Award.

The 2011 Top Plant Award recognizes manufacturing facilities in North America that achieve outstanding operational results through application of engineering disciplines. Top Plant seeks to:

Identify plants that achieve operational excellence
Identify best practices in plant management
Identify manufacturers who operate safe, productive and efficient plants that are ready to meet the challenges of an evolving global manufacturing environment (efficiency is measured both in terms of material and energy efficiency)
“The Berea facility is elated to receive this accolade,” said John Gardiner, VP Manufacturing, Americas. “Our motto not only at the Berea plant, but throughout all of our manufacturing facilities, is that our workforce is our strongest asset. In order to empower our associates we encourage open communication. The free-flow of communication in a cross-functional environment promotes innovation’ which helps us reach common goals.”

“Berea has an excellent record of safety, energy management and community involvement,” said Bob Vavra, editor and content manager, Plant Engineering. “What really set Berea apart was their commitment to workforce training and development, which our readers cite as their most crucial issue. The commitment to hiring and training personnel at Berea is a great example to other manufacturers that the investment in personnel can pay tremendous dividends.”

About Hyster Company
Based in Greenville, N.C., Hyster Company (www.hyster.com) is a leading worldwide lift truck designer and manufacturer. Hyster Company offers 130 models configured for gasoline, LPG, diesel and electric power, with the widest capacity range in the industry — from 2,000 to 115,000 lbs. Supported by the industry’s largest and most experienced dealer network, Hyster Company builds tough, durable lift trucks that deliver high productivity, low total cost of ownership, easy serviceability and advanced ergonomic features; accompanied by outstanding parts, service and training support.
 
In two independent surveys conducted by Peerless Media Research Group in 2011, Hyster Company ranked No. 1 in brand satisfaction and the company’s full line of lift trucks ranked No. 1 in the U.S. for total cost of ownership.

Hyster Company is an operating division of NACCO Materials Handling Group, Inc. (NMHG), which employs approximately 5,000 people worldwide. NMHG is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of NACCO Industries, Inc. (NYSE:NC).