The Raymond Corp., Greene, N.Y., acquired Raymond Handling Concepts Corp. (RHCC), Fremont, Calif.

Since 1987, RHCC has been an authorized Raymond sales and service center, providing Raymond forklifts, solutions and leading material handling expertise to Alaska, Idaho, western Montana, Northern California, northern Nevada, Oregon and Washington.

"Raymond’s acquisition of Raymond Handling Concepts Corporation will strengthen our company’s position and leverage RHCC’s ability to serve customers in the northwestern United States,” says Steve VanNostrand, executive vice president of administration, Raymond. “We look forward to working with RHCC’s associates, customers and suppliers and continuing to leverage RHCC’s core values and culture, which so closely align with Raymond.”

The acquisition coincides with the retirement of RHCC president Steve Raymond, who spent his 42-year career with Raymond in a variety of capacities, including the last 31 years as president. Raymond is also the grandson of The Raymond Corp. founder, George Raymond Sr.

“I had the unbelievably good fortune to have been born into this business. In 1976, I chose to take a temporary summer job at Raymond in Greene, N.Y., while I was a graduate student. As they say, things worked out and that job ultimately worked its way into a 42-year career,” says Steve Raymond. “As you might imagine, it is hard for me to leave this job and all of the people who I have worked with so closely for so long. I am grateful to our customers, associates and suppliers — with their dedication and loyalty, my grandfather’s legacy is in good hands for generations to come.”