Early last month, Raymond Corp. (www.raymondcorp.com) unveiled the first AC-powered reach truck that is designed and manufactured in North America. Previously, most all electric reach trucks sold on this continent were under DC power. The new AC drive and lift motors enhance truck productivity, maximize energy efficiency, and reduce the cost of operations, says the company. According to John Colborn of Raymond, the new Accelerated Cycle Reach-Fork Truck delivers higher utilization rates, making "it a particularly appealing option to customers with taller warehouses and high throughput requirements, especially those running 24 hours a day, 7 days a week."