In the heart of Nijmegen, where technology and innovation meet, Hyster-Yale Materials Handling is shaping the future of heavy-lift logistics. The Economic Board Regio Arnhem Nijmegen spoke to Neha Roy, Innovation Leader at Hyster-Yale Materials Handling. We discussed the company's changing role in the energy transition, their integration of hydrogen fuel cell technology and her views on the importance of nurturing young talent for the future of technology and innovation.
Background
Neha Roy’s journey at Hyster-Yale Materials Handling began more than ten years ago as Group Lead for control systems, electrical engineering and software. Today, she leads innovation for the future technological development of the company’s heavy-duty truck division – vehicles with a load capacity ranging from 8 to 52 tonnes. With a background in telecommunications and real-time embedded systems, Neha brings both technical expertise and visionary thinking to her role.
Neha Roy
Integrated energy solutions
Hyster-Yale Materials Handling is a leading manufacturer of forklift trucks, aftermarket parts, and technology and energy solutions, which are primarily marketed under the Hyster®, Yale® and Nuvera® brand names. Roy explains that the Nijmegen site specialises in the production of high-capacity equipment and is a unique location where Research & Development (R&D), production and aftermarket teams are all based together. The company has several sites worldwide, all of which contribute to its robust portfolio of products and services.
From the perspective of energy solutions, Hyster-Yale Materials Handling focuses strongly on the development and deployment of integrated energy solutions, including fuel cells, lithium-ion batteries, chargers, battery management systems and energy management services. These solutions are essential for helping customers achieve greater efficiency and optimise the power configuration of their material handling equipment.
The company’s dedicated focus on energy solutions contributes positively to its vision of ‘Transforming the way the world moves materials from Port to Home’.
Innovation with hydrogen and fuel cell technology
What does this innovation look like in practice? Roy takes us on a brief journey through fuel cell technology. And no, you don’t need to be a scientist to follow this story. Fuel cells, powered by hydrogen and oxygen, offer an emission-free alternative to traditional diesel engines. Vehicles fitted with these systems are not only environmentally friendly, but are also capable of performing all the tasks of conventional lorries with internal combustion engines.
Roy explains: “Think of a fuel cell as an engine that uses hydrogen and oxygen instead of diesel. The exhaust is an emission-free by-product. The fuel cell is therefore an electrochemical solution very similar to a battery, but instead of storing energy, it generates energy using hydrogen and oxygen.”
This seems simple enough. But how do you ensure there is enough hydrogen to meet these business objectives? There are various ways to produce hydrogen, such as electrolysis, which produces green hydrogen, or more traditional methods such as gasification. It is then purified and transported to the location where the lorry is operating. The lorry is then refuelled in the same way as a diesel engine.
Energy transition and market trends
Locally, many of the company’s zero-emission solutions are aimed at heavy goods vehicles and container handlers – the huge lorries used in ports to move shipping containers. Thanks to this specialisation, the company can deliver high-impact solutions where emission reductions are most needed.
There is a growing demand for zero-emission vehicles, particularly in regions such as the Netherlands where cities are introducing zero-emission zones. Although the pace of the transition depends on economic factors, the trend is clear: customers are increasingly looking for sustainable alternatives.
Investing in young talent
Hyster-Yale Materials Handling not only plays a role in the energy transition, innovation and technology for its own business, but also actively contributes to shaping future leaders in the fields of technology and innovation in the region. They collaborate with universities such as HAN University of Applied Sciences, Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Eindhoven University of Technology and the University of Twente, and offer work placements, final-year projects and practical assignments across various departments, including engineering, energy transition, production, aftermarket and R&D. Students interested in final-year research projects or work placements in these fields are encouraged to contact the company’s HR department: hr.nijmegen@hyster-yale.com.
Neha Roy emphasises the importance of investing in human capital in the region by facilitating early exposure to innovation and technology.
"The current education system emphasises maths and language skills, which are absolutely necessary. In addition, we need to introduce technology education at primary school level." She continues: "Introduce technology and innovation to children at an early age, stimulate their interest and some of them will naturally gravitate towards it later."
Otherwise, she fears, we will be playing catch-up.
Roy also has some good advice for students of all ages who are interested in technology and innovation. She encourages students to strike a balance between theory and practice and to embrace a ‘hands-on’ approach to learning. Her advice:
"Embrace creativity and don't rely only on digital tools. There is no learning without making. Get your hands dirty, so to speak."
Conclusion
Hyster-Yale Materials Handling is leading the energy transition in heavy logistics in Nijmegen. By investing in sustainable technologies, including the use of hydrogen in its business model, and nurturing the next generation of talent, the company promotes both sustainability and innovation.
