G&K Services Inc., one of the world's largest product and service providers for industry laundry operations, has begun testing hybrid-electric trucks in its fleet of delivery vehicles.

According to G&K, hybrid-electric diesel step vans are being placed into service in its locations in northern California. The new vehicles were acquired in partnership with the State of California's Hybrid Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP). The company plans on working with state agencies and the vehicle manufacturers to track and analyze the trucks' performance and assess the technology for broader use.

"We are excited to get these new hybrid trucks on the road, making deliveries to our customers," says Dick Stutz, G&K's senior vice president of operations. "G&K is focused on both maximizing the fuel economy of our delivery fleet and being good stewards of the environment."