At KION India, ensuring the reliability and safety of our MHE is paramount.
Sunil K Gupta,
What emerging trends in material handling equipment are you observing? How are you addressing the increasing demand for automation and smart technologies in the sector?
In the rapidly evolving landscape of Material Handling Equipment (MHE), innovation and technological advancement are driving significant transformations aimed at enhancing efficiency, productivity, and safety. At KION India, we adopt a customer-centric approach by developing customizable, efficient, and cost-effective MHE solutions that streamline operations, reduce manual work, minimize errors, and boost productivity. Our portfolio includes forklifts and warehousing equipment solutions under the brands OM, Linde, and Baoli, tailored to meet the specific needs of Indian applications and the technology expectations of diverse customer segments.
Highlighting our commitment to technological excellence, the KION Group has recently established a global engineering and technology center in India. This initiative enables us to proactively anticipate and meet evolving customer needs on a global scale.
The Indian MHE market is increasingly shifting towards automation and Industry 4.0, with technologies like AGV, AMR, and mobile automation becoming imminent realities. Aligning with this trend, we offer comprehensive warehouse management solutions through our Linde brand, integrating automated MHEs and real-time IoT solutions. These solutions incorporate telematics, wireless communications, and artificial intelligence to optimize operations. Our Linde material handling equipment, including electric forklifts, pallet trucks, and tow tractors from the MATIC series, feature intelligent navigation and safety technology. They can operate autonomously while also allowing manual control, marking a significant leap in productivity, performance, and energy management. These next-generation intelligent MHE solutions are set to revolutionize the industry, empowering businesses to achieve new levels of operational efficiency and competitiveness.”
What are your core products and services in Material Handling Equipment?
KION India, a wholly owned subsidiary of KION Group AG, has emerged as the market leader in the Indian Material Handling Equipment (MHE) industry. Offering tailored and automated solutions through a diverse portfolio featuring renowned brands like OM, Linde, Baoli, and Dematic, KION India plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of logistics technology in the Indian market.
With 125+ customer touchpoints, KION India’s field force closely engages with customers, providing optimal solutions and services. A versatile range of more than 400 MHE solutions are specifically designed for different applications and customized for every customer segment ranging from small storage hubs to distribution centers to large-capacity automated warehouses having a high-racking system. The expansive product offering includes all palletized material handling equipment ~ hand pallet truck, battery operated pallet truck, electric stacker, diesel forklifts up to 18 Ton and electric forklifts up to 18 Ton, reach truck, tow truck, order picker, Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) solutions, Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV), and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR) and Lithium-ion solutions. Leveraging a wide-ranging product portfolio and a deep understanding of the market, KION India is well-positioned to meet evolving market demands, capitalizing on the increasing domestic market potential.
How do you ensure the reliability and safety in your range of material handling equipment?
At KION India, ensuring the reliability and safety of our material handling equipment (MHE) is paramount. We rigorously adhere to the safety standards and regulatory compliances specific to the Indian market and environmental requirements throughout our manufacturing processes. Our equipment undergoes comprehensive reliability testing and testing protocols to guarantee optimal performance and durability, ensuring peace of mind for our customers across diverse industry applications. Moreover, we integrate advanced safety features such as ergonomic designs, robust structural integrity, intuitive controls, and comprehensive training programs for operators. Continuous improvement initiatives and feedback mechanisms further enhance the reliability and safety of our MHE solutions, ensuring they meet global standards and exceed customer expectations.
What are the biggest challenges currently facing the material handling industry and how is your company preparing to meet these challenges?
The material handling industry is currently facing several challenges, including the need to increase OEM and vendor capacities to match market growth, the escalating technological demands for battery-operated equipment, the imperative for implementing sustainable solutions, and the increasing automation needs with higher return on investment (ROI). At KION India, we are addressing these challenges through a comprehensive strategy. The Indian MHE market is experiencing rapid growth, doubling in size every 4-6 years. This growth necessitates an increase capacities and capabilities to meet market demands. Additionally, our focus on providing technologically advanced equipment with superior features ensures that we meet the expectations of the value-based Indian customer segment, delivering equipment with improved productivity, reasonable ROI and extended life.
In response to the imperative for sustainability, we are committed to developing energy-efficient and eco-friendly MHE solutions. Our portfolio includes a wide range of battery-operated equipment brands such as OM, Linde, and Baoli, featuring advanced lithium-ion battery technology to reduce carbon footprint and promote sustainable practices. A recent addition to our line-up is the OM Brand XE30-Li 3.0 Ton Lithium-ion forklift, setting a benchmark in lithium-ion forklift performance.
To stay ahead in technology, we invest significantly in research and development, leveraging AI, IoT, and machine learning to enhance operational efficiency and cater to the growing demand for automation. Our investment extends to comprehensive training programs for employees and partners, ensuring they possess the latest skills and knowledge to effectively operate and maintain advanced MHE solutions. By proactively addressing these challenges, KION India is well-positioned to lead the material handling industry towards a future defined by innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.”
