GREENE – Raymond Corporation celebrates a special birthday Saturday. Ninety winters and summers have come and gone since George Raymond Sr. bought a small foundry in Greene and opened the company’s doors.

Raymond has experienced a successful and distinguished manufacturing history since 1922. A few highlights since the early half of the 20th Century were: the patenting of the very first hydraulic hand pallet truck and double-faced pallet; the development of the first narrow aisle lift truck; the creation of the first computer-controlled drive system; and the introduction of the first AC-powered lift truck.

Through the years, the company has also engendered a close relationship with the Greene community. Raymond currently holds the title of leading employer in Chenango County and has ties to community organizations and outreach programs that extend even further.

“We actively support over 70 non-profit organizations and our employees donate thousands of hours of volunteer time,” said Raymond’s Vice President of Human Resources Steve VanNostrand. “We also are very proud of our school partnerships,” he added.

In 1997, Raymond was purchased by the Swede materials company BT. In 2000, both BT and Raymond were subsequently acquired by Toyota Materials Handling Group, a subsidiary of the Toyota Industry conglomerate, headquartered in Kariya, Japan. Since the most recent change in ownership, Raymond and Toyota have shared their best practices and methods with one another, strengthening both companies in the process. “The bond between our companies is very strong, which enhances our competitive position,” said VanNostrand.