Pros to Know: Raymond Corp’s Damon Hosmer Talks Advancing Sustainability Initiatives in Material Handling

As the managing director and general manager of energy storage solutions at The Raymond Corporation, Damon Hosmer oversees the strategic direction and operational management of the company’s energy storage division. His daily responsibilities encompass leading four key cost centers: lead-acid batteries (LABs), lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), hydrogen fuel cells and the development of go-to-market strategies for all energy-related operations. Hosmer's role involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including engineering, sales and marketing to ensure the seamless integration of advanced energy solutions into Raymond’s product offerings. He is also tasked with identifying emerging trends in energy storage technologies, assessing their applicability to material handling equipment, and guiding the development of innovative solutions that enhance efficiency and reduce the total cost of ownership for clients. Additionally, Hosmer manages relationships with key stakeholders, including suppliers, regulatory bodies and industry associations, to align Raymond’s energy initiatives with broader industry standards and sustainability goals.

Over the past year, Hosmer has spearheaded several transformative initiatives; one of them he played a pivotal role in helping Toyota Material Handling and Raymond establish the Energy Solutions Manufacturing Center of Excellence, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to the production of advanced energy storage systems. Under Hosmer's leadership, the company successfully deployed a full-scale battery energy storage system and solar microgrid array at its distribution warehouse in Greene, N.Y. He was also instrumental in advancing energy initiatives compliant with the California Air Resources Board (CARB), ensuring Raymond’s products meet stringent environmental standards and contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the manufacturing sector.

In the coming year, Hosmer aims to expand Raymond’s CARB-compliant initiatives, optimize LIB production processes, advance the adoption of renewable energy solutions within Raymond’s operations and product offerings, and strengthen partnerships with industry stakeholders and regulatory bodies to drive innovation and ensure compliance with evolving energy standards.

We talked exclusively with Hosmer about optimizing lithium-ion batteries, the benefits of full-scale battery energy storage systems and advancing sustainability initiatives in the material handling industry.

Supply & Demand Chain Executive: Let’s first talk about you. Tell me a little bit about yourself and your journey to get to this current stage in your career?

Damon Hosmer: My experience in energy storage solutions spans over 15 years, focusing on creating and implementing power strategies for global organizations. As the managing director and general manager of energy storage solutions at The Raymond Corporation, I oversee key initiatives related to lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries, hydrogen fuel cells, and renewable energy solutions. My journey has been driven by a passion for advancing sustainable energy technologies, optimizing operational efficiency, and ensuring Raymond’s products align with evolving industry standards and regulations. Collaboration has been a cornerstone of my career, working closely with engineering, sales, and regulatory bodies to drive innovation and sustainability in material handling.

Supply & Demand Chain Executive: One of the things outlined in your submission is how you played a pivotal role in helping Toyota Material Handling and Raymond establish the Energy Solutions Manufacturing Center of Excellence. Tell us more about this center. What is it designed to achieve?

Hosmer: One of the projects I am most proud to be a part of is in helping Toyota Material Handling and Raymond establish the Energy Solutions Manufacturing Center of Excellence, a state-of-the-art facility in Broome County, N.Y. This facility is a significant milestone in our efforts to advance energy storage solutions and manufacturing capabilities. Managed by The Raymond Corporation, the center focuses on producing lithium-ion and thin plate pure lead battery technology for both Toyota and Raymond products, addressing the growing demand for electric-powered material handling equipment.

The center is not only a testament to our long-standing commitment to innovation but also to our dedication to supporting the broader community and economy. It has created expanded workforce opportunities in the Binghamton area, reinforcing our role in driving next-generation energy resources in alignment with the New Energy New York initiative. This initiative aims to position New York as a leader in energy innovation, and our facility contributes by developing cutting-edge energy solutions that align with the state's sustainability goals. From an operational perspective, the facility enhances our ability to meet industry demands by manufacturing high-quality, reliable energy solutions that provide significant benefits to our customers, such as increased labor efficiency, reduced downtime, and lower maintenance requirements. The center allows us to diversify our energy portfolio, offering customers more flexible and sustainable power options that support their evolving operational needs.

This investment also underscores our commitment to powering a greener future and solving our customers’ most pressing energy challenges. With the rapid growth of electric-powered material handling equipment, the Energy Solutions Manufacturing Center of Excellence is positioned to play a crucial role in shaping the future of sustainable warehouse operations while strengthening our leadership in the material handling industry.

Supply & Demand Chain Executive: Also outlined in your nomination form is how you’ve been instrumental in advancing sustainability initiatives at Raymond and in the material handling industry. What does this mean for Raymond’s customers? And what does this mean for the future of sustainability practices in material handling?

Hosmer: Raymond has always been a pioneer in electric lift trucks, exclusively offering zero-emission solutions for over a century. This deep-rooted expertise positions us as a leader in the industry in helping businesses transition to sustainable energy alternatives. I have led initiatives to integrate lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) into our offerings, providing customers with significant advantages such as longer lifespans, reduced maintenance, and opportunity charging to minimize downtime, ensuring they remain compliant while enhancing productivity and reducing their carbon footprint.

For our customers, these efforts mean a seamless transition to zero-emission operations without the growing pains faced by companies accustomed to internal combustion engine forklifts. By leveraging our expertise and innovative energy solutions, customers can achieve regulatory compliance while optimizing their fleet efficiency and reducing operational costs. Raymond’s leadership in electric lift trucks provides customers with a trusted partner to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape. In the broader material handling industry, the shift to electric-powered solutions will significantly reduce carbon emissions, fostering a cleaner, more sustainable future. Our work is not just about meeting compliance requirements but about setting the standard for sustainable operations that benefit both businesses and the environment.

Supply & Demand Chain Executive: In the next 12 months, your goal is to optimize lithium-ion batteries processes. What does this entail?

Hosmer: This goal is important to the entire Raymond team. We want to continue to optimize Raymond’s lithium-ion battery (LIB) production processes through continuous improvement initiatives and rigorous testing protocols. By refining our manufacturing operations and leveraging advanced technologies, we aim to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve overall product performance. Our focus is not only on streamlining production but also on ensuring that our solutions align with evolving industry regulations and sustainability goals. This commitment to continuous improvement allows us to stay ahead of industry demands while providing customers with reliable, high-performing energy solutions that minimize downtime and maximize operational efficiency.

A key component of this optimization effort is our dedication to using UL Listed lithium-ion batteries and charging equipment, which undergo extensive testing to validate their reliability and compliance with industry standards. By prioritizing UL certification, we provide our customers with the confidence that their energy solutions meet the highest levels of performance and regulatory compliance. As the demand for zero-emission solutions continues to grow, we are committed to developing innovative LIB technologies that not only meet but exceed expectations, ensuring our customers can seamlessly transition to more sustainable operations while maintaining peak productivity.

Supply & Demand Chain Executive: If you could have a conversation with your younger self, what would you tell him?

Hosmer: I’d tell my younger self to embrace innovation and adaptability in not only the rapidly evolving energy sector but also the world in general. Staying ahead of industry trends and focusing on continuous learning is crucial. I’d also emphasize the importance of collaboration and always be willing to work across disciplines and maintain a customer-centric approach to developing solutions that provide real value.

Supply & Demand Chain Executive: The Leaders in Excellence category honors company leaders who’ve made outstanding contributions to the supply chain space. What advice do you have for other leaders in the industry as well as young professionals entering the supply chain space?

Hosmer: Industry leaders should remain agile and open to emerging technologies while prioritizing sustainability in every aspect of their strategy. Part of being open to emerging technologies, is the willingness to trust your team and solicit honest feedback from the people closest to you. For young professionals, I’d encourage them to invest in continuous learning, build strong relationships within the industry, and always look for ways to balance operational efficiency with environmental responsibility.

Supply & Demand Chain Executive: What are some things not addressed above that would be pertinent to include in the article detailing your strengths, achievements, overall goals, etc.?

Hosmer: One of my proudest achievements has been leading the deployment of a full-scale battery energy storage system and solar microgrid at our distribution warehouse in Greene, N.Y. This project has delivered substantial benefits, including lower energy costs, peak demand management, and increased resiliency. I’m also proud to serve as the vice chair of the Material Handling Industry (MHI) Advance Energy Council, where I have the opportunity to shape industry standards and drive innovation, ensuring Raymond stays at the forefront of energy advancements. I am proud of our leadership in the energy space and our commitment to ensuring the Southern tier of New York continues to be a hub for the promotion of energy efficiency and renewable energy source innovation.

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