Company

Welcome to Linde
Visitors at Linde's Headquarters in Aschaffenburg

Linde For your Performance

Linde Material Handling develops high-performance material flow solutions tailored to individual customer needs, with which users are able to achieve sustainable competitive advantages. The company is one of the world's largest manufacturers of forklift trucks and warehouse equipment and has been setting standards for solutions for industrial trucks, fleet management, driver assistance systems, and service offerings for more than 50 years.

Key Facts

tow_tractor-ic_truck-moving-freight_forward-4012_810

We for you – worldwide

  • More than 13,000 people around the world work for the Linde brand.
  • With production and development resources in all relevant regions, Linde is addressing the specific requirements of local markets.
  • Linde employees are taking care of the needs of their customers at more than 700 sales and services facilities in over 100 countries.
  • A network of more than 8,500 service technicians ensures maximum availability of Linde trucks and solutions.
  • Based on its worldwide logistics network, Linde guarantees spare part delivery within 24 hours in most countries.

Profile

Linde Material Handling is a global provider of solutions for the on-site flow of materials and is part of KION Group, one of the world's leading intralogistics groups. With innovations such as the hydrostatic drive or highly effective assistance systems, Linde is the technology leader in the industry.

With around 700 sales and service locations in more than 100 countries, Linde Material Handling is very close to its customers in almost all regions of the world. The company's international network also includes production and assembly plants in Germany, France, Italy, Poland, the Czech Republic, the USA and China.

For its customers, Linde develops high-performance solutions for intralogistics. The basis for this are electric and diesel forklift trucks, warehouse equipment, fleet management software, automation solutions, driver assistance systems, financing offers as well as services around the forklift truck, and operator training.

Linde's vehicle range is unique. It comprises 77 series with up to 382 model variants and around 10,000 equipment options. Based on this modular system, Linde manufactures the vehicles and fleets tailored precisely to the needs of each user in terms of transport, storage, picking, and stacking.

Linde Material Handling image video

Performance

Creating values together

As in other industries, digital networking, automation, and the demand for more and more individual products are also driving technological change in intralogistics. However, this change if felt in different ways in every company. Linde Material Handling helps its customers align their material management with these new challenges.

In doing so, they can rely on the great strength of Linde: There are no off-the-shelf products at Linde. Technological innovations are only implemented if they achieve sustainable customer benefits. Customers receive well thought-out solutions that precisely meet the individual requirements of their applications.

Productivity, safety, and ergonomics are the key guiding principles.

Productivity

Efficient forklift trucks are the backbone of efficient intralogistics. Together with intelligent software and comprehensive service packages, operators are able to achieve lasting competitive advantages.

Find out more here

Safety

The safety of people, trucks, and goods is the central idea behind Linde Material Handling’s Zero Accident Philosophy. With integrated solutions, Linde is working toward a future of safer intralogistics.

Find out more here

Ergonomics

The best solutions arise when humans and technology work together in perfect harmony. The principle of ergonomic design therefore strongly informs the development of Linde Material Handling’s trucks and services.

Find out more here

Management

Andreas Krinninger

Andreas Krinninger has been a member of the Executive Board since 2014. Since 2016, he has been responsible for the strategic development of the company in his role as Chief Executive Officer. Since 2021, Andreas Krinninger is also Member of the Executive Board of the KION GROUP AG.

Andreas Krinninger

Christophe Lautray

Christophe Lautray has been a member of the Executive Board since 2009. As Executive Vice President Sales & Service, he is responsible for sales, key account management and customer service.

Christophe Lautray

Dr. Karoline Jung-Senssfelder

Dr. Karoline Jung-Senssfelder has worked in various roles within the KION GROUP since 2010, and has been responsible for Finance since 2023 as a member of the Executive Board of Linde Material Handling. Previously, she was Senior Vice President Corporate Strategy of the KION GROUP.

Dr. Karoline Jung-Senssfelder

Dr. Konrad Pagenstert

As a member of the Executive board for Linde Material Handling since 2022 Dr. Konrad Pagenstert is responsible for Operations. Before joining KION ITS EMEA he was working for a number of leading engineering and manufacturing companies.

Dr. Konrad Pagenstert
Office Meeting at Linde

Our Value Proposition

Linde Material Handling is passionate about your success. For over a century, we have been delivering products and services that help your business flow and grow. Based on the trust we have earned, we will continue to be at your side, supporting you with material handling solutions that really work. Your way.

Doing business with us is easy – and well worth it:

Performance that moves your business

When we talk performance, we mean business. Put simply, our intelligent trucks help you work faster and in a more productive manner. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, they integrate seamlessly into your material flow and enable data-driven optimization. No matter your size or budget, we have solutions to raise your business to the next level.

User-friendliness from the very beginning

We build user-friendliness into everything we deliver – from the maneuverability and ergonomics of our trucks to the intelligent interfaces that communicate effortlessly with your systems . Intuitive operation and fast familiarization are matched by superior safety standards, so everyone in your business immediately feels at ease with our solutions.

Versatility for your individual success

We deliver versatility by combining the most complete range of trucks and services on the market with our “make it work” attitude. Together, we’ll choose from countless options to find the right solution for your requirements. If further customization is required, we provide individual engineering to meet your unique business needs.

Reliability for the long haul

We stand for reliability. With every contact, you’ll notice our commitment to a sustainable partnership that exceeds your expectations. You can rely on our solutions in the long-term. Whether in the toughest environments or the most challenging processes, you can count on our solutions to last, to function smoothly, and to deliver the results you demand.

Compliance

We have a special responsibility to our customers, business partners, employees, the environment, and society. Clear rules are important to our company’s success, as they contribute to reducing risks, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, and ultimately, raising the company’s performance. Compliance serves this purpose.

Download Code of Compliance here

History

The roots of Linde Material Handling date back to the beginning of the 20th century. Together with Hugo Güldner and Georg von Krauss, Carl von Linde founded the Güldner-Motoren-Gesellschaft in Munich in 1904. Three years later the company moved to Aschaffenburg. In 1929, the Gesellschaft für Linde's Eismaschinen AG, founded by Carl von Linde in 1879, took over the Güldner-Motoren-Gesellschaft. In 1955, the development of the first vehicle with a hydrostatic drive and, in 1960, the development of the first truck with this drive concept, laid the foundation for Linde's rise to become one of the world's largest manufacturers of forklift trucks and warehouse equipment. Find out more about the company's milestones in the chronicle.

LMH_ecovadis_16_9

2019

Linde receives the highest award from EcoVadis for sustainability management. In its analyses, the world-renowned CSR platform takes into account numerous criteria from the fields of the environment, labor and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. Linde has been achieving good results in its ratings for years. But now, the globally active intralogistics company in mechanical engineering ranks among the top three percent of all companies assessed.

_68R4451-1_quer_16x9

2018

With the new Linde Safety Guard assistance system, Linde is optimizing existing safety standards. The system warns pedestrians and drivers at an early stage acoustically, optically, and with vibrations - even through walls and doors. The Safety Guard is part of the comprehensive safety concept "Vision Zero. Safety in your World", through which Linde aims to cut the number of accidents at work to zero.

Feierstunde_16-9

2017

Linde celebrates the production of the 111,111th 386 series electric forklift truck. The E12 to E20 trucks were launched in 2006. Its unmatched versatility and reliability make it the best-selling electric forklift of its kind and the most successful in the world.

E68R4247_0

2017

Linde is increasingly focusing on the field of intralogistics solutions. Under the leadership of Markus Schmermund, Vice President Intralogistic Solutions, a new team of experts will be created to further develop Linde's existing portfolio and establish uniform standards. The team will also expand the range of consulting services and strengthen project planning and implementation. Linde thus offers its customers tailor-made solutions for their specific requirements.

pm_16-2016_3182_EV_Presse

2016

Linde starts the roadster revolution with the electric forklift trucks E20R to E35R. The typical Linde overhead tilt cylinder, means the A-pillar is no longer needed with this pioneering vehicle concept. This design offers the driver a unique view of the road and maximizes the field of vision and safety. The Linde Roadster is available for all E20 to E35 series forklift trucks.

Check-in desk with people at the World of Material Handling fair in 2016

2016

At the second World of Material Handling, Linde, together with more than 7,000 professional visitors, takes a look at the future of material handling in the world of logistics 4.0. In Aschaffenburg, Linde opens its new headquarters at a location that is rich with history. In 17 months the building at the Carl-von-Linde-Platz, which originally dates from the 1950s, was completely renovated and redesigned on the basis of a modern room concept.

pm_06-2015_4215_B

2015

With the L-MATIC L HP high-platform truck and the P-MATIC tractor, Linde introduces automated industrial trucks for the first time. They are suitable for a wide range of applications in storage and transport. The vehicles can be controlled via warehouse management and ERP systems.

Delivery of Linde’s 750,000th forklift truck to the customer. Speech by Sabine Neuß

2014

Linde celebrates the production of its 750,000th forklift truck. The first World of Material Handling (WoMH), a customer event hosted by Linde, attracts more than 6,000 professional visitors. At WoMH the Linde Safety Pilot also celebrates its debut. The electronic assistance system supports drivers and helps them to avoid dangerous situations.

Linde Material Handling’s electric kart E1 sets a world record

2011

With the E20 – E50 forklift series, Linde becomes the market leader in Europe for electric trucks. The electric kart E1, which Linde developed on the basis of original components of this series, sets a world record for electrically driven karts - accelerating from 0 to 100 km / h in only 3.45 seconds, driving directly into the Guinness Book of World Records.

Linde forklift with fuel cell motor in front of a hydrogen tank

2009

Linde premiers prototypes with alternative drives such as hybrid and fuel cells . Since 2010, Linde has become the first manufacturer of industrial trucks in Europe offering of fuel cell powered trucks off-the-shelf.

KION Group logo

2006

Linde Material Handling becomes part of the newly formed KION Group.

Forklift driver on the Forklift Cup course in 2005

2005

The Staplercup celebrates its premiere. More than 1,500 drivers participate in the first German championship for forklift drivers. International teams have also been participating since 2007. The final competition at the Schlossplatz in Aschaffenburg regularly draws more than 10,000 spectators every year. “StaplerCup hilft e.V.”, a charity club founded in 2008, donates the proceeds of various projects to charity - more than 200,000 euros have been donated since the club was founded.

Linde Material Handling plant in Xiamen

1993

Linde founds a joint venture with the second-largest Chinese forklift truck manufacturer in Xiamen.

Older storage vehicle from Lansing, which was bought by Linde Material Handling in 1989

1989

With the acquisition of British forklift manufacturer Lansing Bagnall - the inventor of the reach truck - Linde expands its range of storage technology.

Forklift from the 351 product line lifting pipes

1985

The 351 series revolutionizes the world of industrial trucks. The diesel powered forklift sets truck sets new standards in design and handling performance in the "premiere class" of trucks with a lifting capacity of 2 to 3.5 tonnes. By 2001, 100,000 trucks of the series have been assembled in Aschaffenburg, making the 351 the most successful truck in Europe, paving Linde's way to market leadership for forklift trucks with internal combustion engines.

Older forklift model from Fenwick, which was bought by Linde Material Handling in 1984

1984

Linde acquires Fenwick, the largest French forklift manufacturer, and founds the Fenwick-Linde S.A.R.L.

Forklift from the 1970s produced by Baker, which was taken over by Linde Material Handling in 1977

1977

Linde takes over the US industrial truck manufacturer Baker Material Handling Corporation.

Linde Material Handling’s first electric forklift

1971

At the Hanover Fair, Linde's first electric forklift truck celebrates its world premiere.

Forklift from the 314 product line from 1968

1968

The 314 series replaces the Hubtrac. The model is manufactured until 1980.

The first forklift truck from Linde Material Handling—the Hubtrac

1959

The ancestor of all Linde forklift trucks is produced in Aschaffenburg. The Hubtrac is the first forklift truck with hydrostatic transmission. Powered by a diesel engine, the first hubtrac can carry loads of 2 tonnes before later increasing to 2.5 tonnes. At the Hanover Fair in 1960, the series is officially presented to the public.

The Hydrocar, one of the first goods transport vehicles from Linde Material Handling

1955

Güldner introduces the Hydrocar, the first transport vehicle with Linde's patented hydrostatic drive.

1904_1

1904

Foundation of the Güldner-Motoren-Gesellschaft in Munich. Three years later the company moved to Aschaffenburg. In 1929 it is acquired by the Gesellschaft für Linde's Eismaschinen AG.