Air Products’ Hydrogen and Technology Fueling Wegmans’ Warehouse Operations

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http://www.airproducts.com/PressRoom/CompanyNews/Archived/2010/26Apr2010.htm

Air Products’ Hydrogen and Technology Fueling Wegmans’ Warehouse Operations

First Commercial Warehouse in Pennsylvania to Use Hydrogen for Material Handling

LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa. (April 26, 2010) – The produce at Wegmans Retail Service Center (RSC) just got greener. Wegmans, a supermarket chain leader and innovator, has launched a fleet of 50 hydrogen fuel cell-powered pallet trucks using Air Products’ (NYSE: APD) hydrogen and hydrogen fueling station technology at its Pottsville, Pa. warehouse to move produce on a daily basis for shipment to its stores in a five state area. The warehouse installation is the first commercial site in Pennsylvania to use this advanced technology to move consumer goods using hydrogen-powered material handling equipment.

“We’ve commissioned hydrogen infrastructure projects all over the world and for the material handling market at several U.S. locations, but this marks a milestone for the Commonwealth and is the first commercial operation in our home state. The hydrogen economy has arrived in Pennsylvania and Wegmans’ Pottsville warehouse will be a showcase site to demonstrate the benefits of hydrogen fueling for the lift industry,” said Dave Taylor, vice president, Energy Businesses at Air Products. “There was a team involved in this project, including the public and private sector, and all should be commended for their efforts.” Taylor noted the support of Congressman Tim Holden, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger, State Senator Dave Argall, State Representative Neal Goodman, and Frank Zukas, President of the Schuylkill Economic Development Corporation, in helping to make this project a reality.

Dave Allar, Wegmans’ RSC maintenance manager, had been anxious for this changeover to hydrogen to arrive, as were employees at the Pottsville facility. “Our folks tested the equipment early last year and could immediately see what it would mean to equipment performance and productivity.” Allar compared the experience of converting to hydrogen-powered equipment to that of driving a car. “Whether a gas tank is full or down to a quarter-tank, a car will travel at 60 mph. Not so when battery power is used, performance diminishes as the battery discharges,” he said.

Beyond productivity improvements, Wegmans also pointed to the environmental benefits of the changeover. A hydrogen fuel cell produces energy through an electrochemical reaction. Because hydrogen is the fuel source, heat and water are the only byproducts. “We are always looking for ways to improve our sustainability,” said David DeMascole, general manager–Pottsville Distribution Facility for Wegmans. “There is also pride associated with being the first in Pennsylvania. Wegmans tries to be on the cutting edge for our industry. To have this opportunity with new hydrogen fuel cell lifts is great. We are proud of what we can achieve for our environment, community and employees.”

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There are many advantages to using hydrogen-powered forklifts and other material handling equipment. Hydrogen fuel cell-powered equipment needs refueling once or twice daily, depending on use. In contrast, traditional battery-powered equipment must be placed temporarily out of operation for battery replacement and required battery recharging approximately every four to six hours. Hydrogen fuel cell-powered equipment provides consistent power strength during use and does not experience decreased performance or wear down as traditional lead-acid battery units do as they near a required battery change out or recharge time. Additionally, hydrogen fuel cell forklifts are not adversely impacted by temperature or by operating in coolers and freezers, in comparison to traditional battery performance. Further, hydrogen-powered fuel cell equipment is more environmentally friendly because it does not involve lead-acid battery storage and disposal issues.

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