Hyster-Yale Forklifts Take Title Over Corning’s Precision Cover Glass
FRANKFORT, KY – Hyster-Yale Military Forklifts, which support critical U.S. Department of Defense logistics and operations around the globe and are manufactured in Berea, Kentucky, have won the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers’ “KAM 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky Tournament Presented by Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance” in this year’s two-month long tournament.
Hyster-Yale military forklifts defeated the precision cover glass for consumer electronics made by Corning Inc. in Harrodsburg, Kentucky, in the Tournament finals that concluded April 12.
“Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, the manufacturer of Hyster® forklifts, has been a cornerstone of the Berea, Kentucky, community for over 50 years. We employ over 900 Kentuckians who are very proud of the work they do and the brand they represent. Winning the Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky for our Hyster military forklift, designed and engineered for the military, is an incredible honor for our Berea team,” said Timothy White, Senior Director, Manufacturing of Hyster-Yale. “This award represents more than a piece of equipment—it reflects the pride, craftsmanship, and relentless commitment of our people who build equipment trusted by our customers in the most demanding environments, like the U. S. military. Every forklift that leaves this plant carries decades of experience, a legacy of partnership with our armed forces, and a promise of durability and reliability when the mission matters most.”
Now in its fourth year, the annual online voting, bracket-style tournament gives Kentuckians the opportunity to pick the “Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky” from among the thousands of world-class products manufactured in the Commonwealth.
“The ‘Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky’ contest is a great reminder of the talent, creativity, and craftsmanship that define manufacturing across our state,” said John Sparrow, Executive Vice President and CEO of Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance. “As title sponsor, we’re proud to celebrate this year’s winner, Hyster-Yale, and the Kentuckians whose innovation continues to put Kentucky manufacturing in the spotlight.”
“Congratulations to a great American company and its outstanding Kentucky team at Hyster-Yale in Berea for their military forklift winning this year’s title as the KAM Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky,” said Kerry Creech, President of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky and Chairman of KAM’s Board of Directors. “Kentucky is a better place because Hyster-Yale and its team members make their winning products in Berea, so we could not be more pleased to award them and their forklifts the champion banner as the KAM 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky Presented by Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance.”
“Hyster-Yale’s military forklifts now join a growing roster of outstanding products as this year’s champion of our KAM 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky Tournament Presented by Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance,” said Frank Jemley, KAM’s President and CEO. “This tournament shines a light on the hundreds of thousands of Kentuckians who make important, essential, desirable, fun, and cool products across our great Commonwealth. Congratulations to the Hyster-Yale team members in Berea for making such a cool thing that plays such an important role for America’s Armed Forces around the world.”
About the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers
The Kentucky Association of Manufacturers (KAM) is Kentucky’s leading industry and business organization. Our mission is to make a better Kentucky by promoting and growing manufacturing in the Commonwealth. We are the voice for economic growth and opportunity in Kentucky. Learn more at KAM.us.com.
