KIRKWOOD, N.Y. — The Raymond Corporation, a lift-truck manufacturer in Chenango County, and Toyota Material Handling are growing their operations in the Southern Tier.
Raymond is repurposing an existing building located on Corporate Drive in the town of Kirkwood, establishing what it calls the Energy Solutions Manufacturing Center of Excellence, the office of Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Sept. 9.
The total project cost is a little more than $15.6 million. As a result of the expansion, Raymond has committed to creating up to 45 new jobs.
The Raymond Corporation and Toyota Material Handling are two companies within Toyota Material Handling North America.
The new facility will enable Raymond and its parent company to develop a “more diverse portfolio of energy solutions” as industry demand for electric products continues to grow.
It will continue to support the firm’s longstanding presence in New York state and its “green” product line via the assembly of advanced-energy products, including lithium-ion battery packs used in Raymond lift trucks.
The company has begun the process of renovating, equipping, and operating at this facility and expects to be fully operational sometime in 2025. This announcement builds on the “significant work” happening in New York state and the Southern Tier in the energy storage and advanced battery industries, Hochul’s office said.
Empire State Development is assisting the company with the project by providing up to $1 million through the performance-based Excelsior Jobs tax-credit program.
“This grand opening marks a significant milestone in our company’s journey,” Michael Field, president and CEO of the Raymond Corporation said in the state’s announcement. “But more importantly, it represents our commitment to the future by bringing jobs, growth and opportunity to advance the community and the material handling industry, and by offering our customers with superior energy solutions to fit their unique needs.”
Founded in 1922, the Raymond Corporation launched in the village of Greene in Chenango County as a foundry. The company’s products evolved to include patents for the design of the first double-faced wooden pallet and hydraulic hand pallet truck.
In 2017, “reflecting its commitment to alternate energy solutions,” the company introduced its first lift truck powered by a lithium-ion battery, per the announcement.