LATHAM, N.Y., Nov. 13, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Plug Power Inc. (NASDAQ: PLUG ), a leader in providing clean, reliable energy solutions and 3M, a science and technology company, today announce a supply agreement for membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) to be used in Plug Power designed proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell stacks.
3M, based in St. Paul MN, has applied its expertise in electrochemistry, fluoropolymer membrane, and high throughput manufacturing for advanced fuel cell MEAs. Plug Power has integrated this capability into the Plug Power fuel cell stack designs to improve performance and extend life.
"3M is pleased to have the opportunity to draw upon our broad fuel cell expertise to supply Plug Power MEAs with industry leading cost, performance, and durability," said Jeffrey Hohn, 3M's Vice President of Renewable Energy. "Plug Power is a global leader in fuel cells and this strategic relationship leverages both companies' strengths, enabling the next generation of electric mobility."
Through this strategic supply agreement, robust fuel cell stacks will be manufactured in Plug Power's Latham, NY and Spokane, WA facilities to support the $20 billion material handling market. Additionally, this new fuel cell stack technology will be utilized to expand Plug Power's presence into hydrogen enabled electric vehicle applications outside of the material handling market. Fuel cell systems using the 3M MEA's and Plug Power stack design will begin shipments in the fourth quarter of 2015.
"With this strategic relationship, both Plug Power and 3M will set the new benchmark for performance and reliability for hydrogen fuel cell products in the most demanding electric mobility application – material handling," said Andy Marsh, Plug Power CEO. "The joint knowledge and development capability of both companies will facilitate additional cost and performance improvements for the future of the electric vehicle market."
About Plug Power Inc.
The powerhouse in hydrogen fuel cell technology, Plug Power is revolutionizing the industry with cost-effective solutions that increase productivity, lower operating costs and reduce carbon footprint. Its signature solution, GenKey, provides an all-inclusive package for customers, incorporating GenFuel hydrogen and fueling infrastructure, GenCare aftermarket service and either GenDrive or ReliOn fuel cell systems. GenDrive, a lead-acid battery replacement, is used in electric lift trucks in high-throughput material handling applications. With more than 9,000 GenDrive units deployed with material handling customers, GenDrive has been proven reliable with over 107 million hours of runtime. Plug Power manufactures tomorrow's incumbent power solutions today, so customers can POWERAhead. Additional information about the Plug Power brands is available at www.plugpower.com .
About 3M
At 3M, we apply science in collaborative ways to improve lives daily. With $32 billion in sales, our 90,000 employees connect with customers all around the world. Learn more about 3M's creative solutions to the world's problems at www.3M.com or on Twitter @3M or @3MNewsroom.
3M is a trademark of 3M Company.
Plug Power Inc. Safe Harbor Statement
This communication contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve significant risks and uncertainties about Plug Power Inc. ("PLUG"), including but not limited to statements about PLUG's 2015 guidance for revenue, gross margin, GenFuel hydrogen infrastructure construction and order bookings, as well as growth in new customers and other growth opportunities. You are cautioned that such statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by which, such performance or results will have been achieved. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in these statements. In particular, the risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the risk that we will not be able to obtain financing arrangements to support the sale or leasing of our products and services to customers; the risk that we continue to incur losses and might never achieve or maintain profitability; the risk that we will need to raise additional capital to fund our operations and such capital may not be available to us; the risk that our lack of extensive experience in manufacturing and marketing products may impact our ability to manufacture and market products on a profitable and large-scale commercial basis; the risk that unit orders will not ship, be installed and/or converted to revenue, in whole or in part; the risk that pending orders may not convert to purchase orders, in whole or in part; the risk that a loss of one or more of our major customers could result in a material adverse effect on our financial condition; the risk that a sale of a significant number of shares of stock could depress the market price of our common stock; the risk that negative publicity related to our business or stock could result in a negative impact on our stock value and profitability; the risk of potential losses related to any product liability claims or contract disputes; the risk of loss related to an inability to maintain an effective system of internal controls or key personnel; the risks related to use of flammable fuels in our products; the cost and timing of developing, marketing and selling our products and our ability to raise the necessary capital to fund such costs; the ability to achieve the forecasted gross margin on the sale of our products; the risk that our actual net cash used for operating expenses may exceed the projected net cash for operating expenses; the cost and availability of fuel and fueling infrastructures for our products; market acceptance of our products, including GenDrive, ReliOn and GenKey systems; the volatility of our stock price; our ability to establish and maintain relationships with third parties with respect to product development, manufacturing, distribution and servicing and the supply of key product components; the cost and availability of components and parts for our products; our ability to develop commercially viable products; our ability to reduce product and manufacturing costs; our ability to successfully expand our product lines; our ability to successfully expand internationally; our ability to improve system reliability for our GenDrive, ReliOn and GenKey systems; competitive factors, such as price competition and competition from other traditional and alternative energy companies; our ability to protect our intellectual property; the cost of complying with current and future federal, state and international governmental regulations; risks associated with potential future acquisitions; and other risks and uncertainties referenced in our public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. For additional disclosure regarding these and other risks faced by PLUG, see disclosures contained in PLUG's public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") including, the "Risk Factors" section of PLUG's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included in this presentation and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof, and PLUG undertakes no obligation to update such statements as a result of new information.
Media Contacts Teal Vivacqua 518.738.0269 Jane Kovacs 512.984.6747
