Hyster-Yale commits to US production

Cleveland-based Hyster-Yale Materials Handling Inc. has announces its plans to fulfill the domestic manufacturing requirements of the Build America, Buy America (BABA) Act “for key portions” of its product lineup.

The maker of Hyster and Yale brand forklift trucks and other handling equipment says it plans to expand its existing American manufacturing base with “a targeted set of high-capacity models, including electric options, that align with the needs of infrastructure projects subject to BABA requirements.”

The equipment producers says its plans include determining optimal production locations in the United States, expanding sourcing agreements to meet domestic material requirements and further developing its electric-powered options for high-capacity equipment.

“Our leadership is fully invested in meeting the needs of businesses that require BABA-compliant material handling solutions,” says Tony Salgado, chief operating officer of Hyster-Yale.

“We are working to partner with our key domestic suppliers, as well as identifying how best to leverage our own American manufacturing footprint, to deliver a competitive solution for our customers and stakeholders,” he adds.

Continues Salgado, “Beyond mere compliance, and in line with the many areas of our business where we are evolving to better support our customers, our commitment remains steadfast. We are dedicated to delivering industry-leading standards in design, durability and performance—qualities that have become synonymous with our brands worldwide and that our customers have come to rely on and expect.”

The BABA Act aims to increase the use of American-made materials in federally funded infrastructure projects. It mandates that federal dollars allocated to infrastructure projects funding roads, bridges, ports and public transit system construction must prioritize materials produced in the U.S, including steel, iron and other materials.

Hyster-Yale says it already operates what it calls an extensive footprint in the U.S. consisting of 10 locations, including three manufacturing facilities.

The company says it designs, engineers, manufactures, sells and services a comprehensive line of lift trucks, attachments, aftermarket parts and technologies primarily under the Hyster and Yale brand names.