Plug Power Inc. , a provider of energy solutions that change the way the world moves, joined Carrefour and other important stakeholders in the logistics sector for the November 22nd grand opening of its supply chain distribution center in Vendin-le-Vieil, France. At this facility, Carrefour has deployed 137 Plug Power GenDrive-powered electric forklifts for the two to three shift operation.

The Vendin-le-Vieil facility, a critical arm within Carrefour’s logistics networks in France, receives, stores, and distributes merchandise destined for stores in the region. Carrefour is the second-largest retailer in the world, serving 13 million customers internationally every day. Through the use of Plug Power’s GenDrive fuel cell product, Carrefour can expect increases in efficiency, reliability and improved operator-ergonomics within its STILL lift truck fleet. Additionally, fuel cells enable users to reduce their carbon footprint.

The grand opening provided the opportunity for Carrefour to shed insights on its vision of the future of the logistics market in France and around the world. This includes its leadership position in adopting clean and competitive solutions for large electric vehicle fleets.

“This is the second major deployment of Plug Power’s GenDrive units by Carrefour,” said Andy Marsh, CEO of Plug Power. “With each and every truck that is turned over to hydrogen and fuel cell power, Carrefour is taking another step to engrain its philosophy to adopt clean energy in its daily operations into its employees and stakeholders. Plug Power congratulates Carrefour on its most recent business expansion.”

At the grand opening, Plug Power was represented by Vice President of Global Sales and GM Plug Power Europe, Jose Luis Crespo. Additionally, representatives from STILL (lift truck provider), Air Liquide (hydrogen provider), and HyLIFT-EUROPE (funding partner) were in attendance.