Plug Power Inc. announced Philadelphia-based deli meat and cheese producer Dietz & Watson has become a new Plug Power GenKey customer.

The company said Dietz & Watson will deploy GenDrive fuel cells in its entire fleet of class-2 and class-3 lift trucks for its new warehouse building under a full GenKey agreement. At the Philadelphia facility, Dietz & Watson will be using the GenDrive, GenFuel and GenCare solutions provided through GenKey.

The 200,000-square-foot warehouse and distribution center is located on 20 acres next to the company's headquarters and manufacturing plant.

“After an extensive analysis of our options to operate our lift truck fleet in the most efficient manner, Plug Power offered a cost effective solution with significant potential labor savings. We are pleased to join other food industry distribution leaders such as Walmart and Wegmans Food Markets in implementing this solution,” said John Tsigounis, Vice President of Logistics for Dietz & Watson.

According to Plug Power, fuel cells help customers better utilize facility space and reduce operational costs. Furthermore, the replacement of lead-acid batteries with hydrogen-powered fuel cells eliminates the need for large battery storage and charging rooms.

 “Dietz & Watson joins other customers like FreezPak and Uline as a new Plug Power clients,” said Andy Marsh, CEO of Plug Power. “Plug Power's investment in the GenFuel business is showing great progress in the material handling market, and we're now able to provide economically viable solutions to a diverse customer-base in the material handling market.”