Tire maker Michelin is testing hydrogen-powered lift trucks at its South Carolina production facility this summer. The trial is the first of several planned for South Carolina companies during the next few months.

The set of trials is a joint project of hydrogen fuel cell maker Hydrogenics (www.hydrogenics.com), materials handling equipment distributor LiftOne (www.liftone.net) and lift truck maker Linde (www.lindelifttruck.com).

Funding for the project came from the Greater Columbia Fuel Cell Challenge, a collaborative effort of the City of Columbia, the University of South Carolina, EngenuitySC and the South Carolina Research Authority.

"The interest we have had in this project from so many of our South Carolina customers has been huge," says Bill Ryan, LiftOne general manager. "We have had several serious inquiries as to when we will be launching our Fuel Cell and Training Center. We hope to have that center established this fall."

"The promise of hydrogen-powered equipment has long been a dream of many of our customers looking to find more environmentally friendly ways of doing business," Ryan adds. "Here today that promise has become more of a reality."