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Empire State Development Celebrates Grand Opening Of New Advanced Energy Solutions Test Center In Monroe County Supporting Raymond Corporation And Toyota Brands

Storied World-Class Lift Truck Manufacturer Additionally Commits to Creating up to 20 New Jobs at Honeoye Falls Facility

Creating Top-Quality, Next-Generation Opportunities is a Key Component of The Finger Lakes Region’s Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy

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Empire State Development (ESD) and other officials today marked the grand opening of a new advanced energy storage solutions development, prototyping, and test center in the Town of Henrietta, Monroe County. The Raymond Corporation invested in the forward-thinking research and development center, located at 1565 Jefferson Road, and will collaborate with Rochester area energy storage resources to further support advanced energy solutions technology efforts for both the Raymond and Toyota material handling brands, including lithium-ion batteries and fuel cells. As a result, Raymond, which currently has over 2,500 workers statewide, committed to creating up to 40 new jobs onsite.

Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Governor Hochul and ESD are laser-focused on expanding New York’s green economy by supporting the creation of 21st century R&D and manufacturing jobs. The Raymond Corporation’s continued development of next-gen energy applications for the lift truck industry reflects its impressive commitment to the Finger Lakes region and the positive economic benefits for companies choosing to build their businesses in the Empire State.”

In April, The Raymond Corporation and Toyota Material Handling, Inc. announced they would functionally integrate under the name Toyota Material Handling North America (TMHNA) for the benefit of their collective customers.

Raymond is committed to further growing operations in the Finger Lakes region, announcing today that it will lease space at a facility on Carriage Street in Honeoye Falls in Monroe County for the purpose of testing and validating fuel cell systems for its products. ESD is assisting this latest project with up to $400,000 through the performance-based Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit Program for the promised creation of up to 20 new jobs. The total project cost has been placed at almost $1.9 million. Now underway, the company expects to be operational at the facility sometime in late 2027. 

Michael G. Field, Chief Operations Officer of TMHNA, Formerly Raymond CEO, said, “We are proud to expand our footprint in Monroe County as we continue to invest in the Finger Lakes region. This new Honeoye Falls site reflects our shared commitment to creating high-quality jobs and advancing next-generation energy technologies. With strong support from Empire State Development and local partners, we’re building on our legacy of innovation while driving sustainable economic growth in New York.”

Jennifer Lupo, Vice President of Technology Solutions at TMHNA, Said, “I’m proud to see our vision for sustainable innovation come to life in the Finger Lakes region. This expansion in Honeoye Falls reflects our strategic focus on advancing clean energy technologies that support our customers and the broader material handling industry. We’re excited to grow our presence in New York and to collaborate with partners who share our commitment to building a more innovative and energy-efficient future.”

Monroe County and Greater Rochester Enterprise are also assisting with the projects.

State Senator Jeremy Cooney said, “Today’s announcement perfectly aligns with Governor Hochul and Commissioner Knight’s vision for upstate manufacturing and economic growth. I’m thrilled with the impact this will have on Monroe County and the new jobs this project will create, and I look forward to their continued growth in our communities.”

State Assemblymember Harry Bronson, said, “I am proud to welcome The Raymond Corporation to Henrietta and applaud their continued investment in the Finger Lakes region. Their work to develop clean energy storage solutions will expand our region’s advanced manufacturing sector, adding middle-class jobs in industries that are helping to shape the future of New York’s economy while supporting our climate goals.”

Monroe County Executive Adam Bello, said, “We are excited about The Raymond Corporation’s expansion and what it will mean for Monroe County’s economy. Not only will they be creating a combined 60 new jobs at their new advanced energy solutions test center in Henrietta and their new facility in Honeoye Falls, they are continuing to cement Monroe County’s place at the forefront of next-generation energy technologies.  Through COMIDA, Monroe County is proud to support these new projects with more than $600,000 in sales tax exemptions on materials, one of the many tools we use to help local businesses and keep our economy moving forward.”

Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce President and CEO and Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chair Bob Duffy, said, “Congratulations to Michael Field, Jennifer Lupo, and the whole Raymond team on the grand opening of their new facility. This investment in both Henrietta and Honeoye Falls is felt deeply throughout Greater Rochester, creating meaningful careers and enhancing our region's role as an area on the forefront of advanced manufacturing. Thank you to Governor Kathy Hochul, Empire State Development, Raymond, and all other partners who helped make this project possible. We are eager to continue this collaboration moving forward to support Raymond and our whole region.”

Matt Hurlbutt, President and CEO, Greater Rochester Enterprise said, “The Raymond Corporation continues to expand its presence in the Greater Rochester, NY region because this community has world-class R&D resources, a talented workforce, and an integrated ecosystem optimum for developing the company’s cutting-edge fuel cell technology. Greater Rochester Enterprise remains a committed partner, connecting Raymond’s leadership with vital economic and workforce development resources to fuel the company’s expansion through the Raymond and Toyota Material Handling brands that are functionally integrated under Toyota Material Handling North America (TMHNA).

About The Raymond Corporation 

The Raymond Corporation, a member of the Toyota Industries family of companies, is a leading global provider of best-in-class material handling products and intelligent intralogistics solutions with headquarters in Greene, New York. Built on principles of innovation and continuous improvement for over 100 years, Raymond’s integrated automation, telematics, virtual reality and advanced energy solutions provide ways to optimize operations and bring warehouse and distribution operations to a new level of performance. Raymond® electric forklift trucks are engineered to achieve increased productivity and efficiency and are designed to provide ecological and economic benefits. Raymond delivers solutions to material handling and logistics markets in North America and globally. 

About Toyota Material Handling North America (TMHNA)

Toyota Material Handling North America (TMHNA), the industry leader in forklift sales, represents the combined operational strength of two affiliated companies: Toyota Material Handling, Inc. and The Raymond Corporation. TMHNA’s affiliated manufacturing operations span nearly 2.5 million square feet across four facilities: Columbus, Indiana; Greene, New York; Muscatine, Iowa; and East Chicago, Indiana – producing more than 1,900 forklifts each week. Backed by an annual revenue of over $6 billion, TMHNA supports more than 16,000 associates and nearly 300 authorized dealers, solution centers, and support locations dedicated to serving Toyota and Raymond customers throughout North America.

Accelerating Economic Development in the Finger Lakes 

Today’s announcement complements “Finger Lakes Forward,” the region’s comprehensive strategy to generate robust economic growth and community development. The regionally designed plan focuses on investing in key industries including photonics, agriculture‎ and food production, and advanced manufacturing. More information is available here. ​

About Empire State Development

Empire State Development is New York's chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state's 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state's world class tourism destinations through I LOVE NY. For more information, please visit esd.ny.gov, and connect with ESD on LinkedInFacebook and X.

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Shari Voorhees-Vincent | [email protected] | (585) 399-7055 
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