Walmart DCs are keeping Food on the Shelves and Meals on the Table – with the help of Plug Power Fuel Cells

Across North America, Walmart continues to support the robust and critical food distribution chain through the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, a Walmart distribution center in Gordonsville, Virginia, responsible for moving food and supplies to Walmart stores across the state, is being showcased and rightfully commended for their around-the-clock operations to provide essential goods during this crisis.

This site, in fact, operates Plug Power GenDrive fuel cell-powered forklifts and GenFuel hydrogen fueling stations to support the 273-truck lift truck fleet. The Gordonsville fleet has been fuel cell powered since 2015  allowing the fleet to operate at a higher level of productivity – in short, getting more food on the shelves, faster. The fast fueling capability of the fuel cell powered fleet avoids the extended downtime associated with battery charging, allowing Walmart to respond swiftly to demand peaks and increase velocity in their distribution centers. Plug Power, embedded in approximately 25% of the country’s grocery distribution network continues to work deeply with Walmart and other providers of essential services across the United States, to ensure their fuel cell-powered fleets are operating at maximum performance during this challenging time.

In the midst of chaos, the United States is fortunate to have one of the most robust, stable, and secure food supply chains in the world. Now, more than ever, it’s important to shine a light on the resilience of the American food supply chain and the innovative infrastructure that makes it possible. Thank you Walmart, and all other food distribution businesses across the Country, for all you’re doing to keep food on shelves and meals on the table.

As reported by NBC12, the thousands of Gordonsville Walmart employees who are working around the clock during this crisis are visited today by federal representatives, including Vice President Mike Pence, to show their gratitude to those making everyday activities once taken for granted still possible.