Mr. Guy McAree reports

BALLARD STRENGTHENS ORGANIZATION TO DRIVE BUSINESS GROWTH

Ballard Power Systems Inc. has made changes to strengthen the company's organization and better align it with a customer-centric growth strategy. The organization now comprises two platforms: power products and technology solutions.

"We have implemented important initiatives so that we are better able to deliver positive and impactful customer experiences," said Randy MacEwen, Ballard president and chief executive officer. "Ballard is uniquely positioned to provide high value to customers in our target markets. We have a strong brand, backed by over 30 years of PEM [proton exchange membrane] fuel cell technology leadership, along with world-class expertise and an extensive global customer base. Our goal is simple -- to make each touch point with customers an easy and rewarding experience."

Power products

The mandate of the power products group is to meet the power needs of customers through delivery of high-value, clean-energy products that reduce customer costs and risks. Ballard has recently invested in additional sales and account management resources with deep, relevant experience in target geographic markets, including the following new team members:

• Director, key accounts -- a Kansas-based account executive with telecom industry experience will manage key telecom accounts globally;
• Director of sales, Americas -- an Arizona-based sales director with telecom industry experience will oversee sales in the Americas;
• Sales account manager -- a New York-based account manager will be responsible for the Plug Power account, Ballard's primary customer serving the North American material handling market;
• Director of sales, EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa) -- a Germany-based sales professional with telecom industry experience will oversee market growth in Europe, the Middle East and Africa;
• China country manager -- a country manager for China with more than 25 years of experience in that market, including serving in a bus fleet procurement and operations management role with one of China's largest transit operators.

The addition of these sales professionals strengthens Ballard's capacity to address customer needs in telecom backup power, material handling, bus and other applications in the key geographies of North America, Europe, Africa and China.

Steve Karaffa, Ballard's chief commercial officer, commented, "We are focusing our team and go-to-market strategy on effectively delivering what customers seek -- high value and resilient power products, simply delivered."

Technology solutions

The mandate of the technology solutions group is to help customers solve difficult technical and business challenges in their proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell programs. Ballard will deliver this through customized, bundled technology solutions, including world-class, specialized engineering services, access to the company's deep intellectual property (IP) portfolio and know-how, as well as the supply of technology components.

The technology solutions group will support customers in the automotive, aerospace, military and other markets, seeking to accelerate and derisk their fuel cell development and commercialization programs.

Dr. Kevin Colbow, Ballard's vice-president, technology solutions, said: "Renewed interest in PEM fuel cells for use in a range of applications has been led by the automotive industry. Ballard stands alone in our ability to help these customers, through compelling bundled technology solutions that promote stickiness and longer-term opportunities for component supply."

We seek Safe Harbor.