Southwire, a prominent North American wire and cable manufacturer, has partnered with Plug Power Inc., a global leader in hydrogen solutions, to introduce a clean hydrogen ecosystem at its new distribution center in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. This initiative signifies Plug Power's expansion into the industrial supplier sector, complementing its established presence in e-commerce and retail markets.

Through this partnership, Plug Power will supply Southwire with over 50 hydrogen-powered forklifts, each equipped with GenDrive fuel cells. Additionally, Plug Power will install a hydrogen fueling station featuring four GenFuel dispensers. The hydrogen required to power these forklifts will be sourced from one of Plug's production facilities located in Georgia, Tennessee, or Louisiana. As part of the agreement, Plug Power will also provide on-site service for the fuel cells over an initial five-year period and maintain the hydrogen infrastructure for a decade.

This collaboration aligns with Southwire's ongoing commitment to sustainability and its goal to reduce carbon emissions throughout its supply chain. Southwire has integrated sustainability principles into its corporate strategy, focusing on enhancing energy and water efficiency, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and utilizing sustainable materials. The company is also committed to advancing circular economy practices. The hydrogen-powered solution is anticipated to reduce over 1 million pounds of CO2 emissions annually from Southwire's direct operations.

"The deployment of our hydrogen and fuel cell solutions at Southwire reflects our unwavering focus on serving core markets and returning to the fundamentals that have driven our success," said Plug Power CEO Andy Marsh. "Sustainability is now a crucial factor in decision-making for many organizations. Our hydrogen infrastructure offers a scalable, environmentally friendly alternative."

Se Oh, Southwire's Vice President of Operations Sustainability, also praised the partnership, stating, "Our collaboration with Plug Power underscores our commitment to embedding sustainability into our culture and daily decision-making. By leveraging innovative partnerships like this, Southwire is dedicated to achieving generational sustainability for the next 75 years and beyond."

Plug Power has played a pioneering role in transforming the material handling industry by establishing the first commercial fuel cell market. Its GenDrive fuel cells provide a reliable and consistent power source, effectively replacing conventional batteries while producing zero emissions. With the added advantage of a clean hydrogen supply, Plug Power enables customers to operate their fleets 24/7, enhancing productivity and operational efficiency.

This strategic partnership between Southwire and Plug Power reflects a shared commitment to advancing sustainable practices and reducing the environmental impact of industrial operations.