Adapting to the Group’s Transformation and Keeping Pace with Market Changes: Linde’s Leapfrog Growth in China

— Interview with Mr. Zheng Xinqing, General Manager of KION Group’s Asia-Pacific Mobile Robotics and Internal Logistics Business Unit In response to the increasingly urgent market demand for intelligent and flexible internal logistics, Linde Material Handling’s development path in China has undergone profound restructuring—accelerating its transformation from a traditional material handling equipment manufacturer into an intelligent logistics and automation solutions provider. Linde Material Handling, a subsidiary of KION Group, is a globally leading supplier of forklift trucks and internal logistics solutions, operating in over 100 countries and regions worldwide. It has consistently maintained strong brand recognition and market leadership in the conventional forklift sector. Starting in 2015, Linde (China) Forklift Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Linde (China)”) proactively entered the forklift AGV business. In 2019, it formally established its Mobile Robotics Business Unit to systematically advance innovation in intelligent logistics. In 2020, buoyed by the rapid growth of the Chinese market and continuous enhancement of local innovation capabilities, KION Group decided to establish an Asia-Pacific AGV R&D and manufacturing center at Linde (China), taking full responsibility for R&D, testing, and production coordination of mobile robotics products. This move marked Linde (China)’s formal emergence as a technological hub and innovation source within KION Group’s global automation strategy. Transforming from a traditional material handling equipment manufacturer into an intelligent logistics and automation solutions provider has become the central theme of Linde (China)’s recent development. Recently, to gain deeper insight into Linde (China)’s strategic thinking and practical implementation regarding technology deployment, market insights, and strategic transformation, this magazine interviewed Mr. Zheng Xinqing, General Manager of KION Group’s Asia-Pacific Mobile Robotics and Internal Logistics Business Unit, who elaborated on how Linde (China) achieved leapfrog growth amid the wave of logistics intelligence—and led the Group’s automation-driven strategic transformation. Zheng Xinqing General Manager, Asia-Pacific Mobile Robotics and Internal Logistics Business Unit, KION Group Strategic Transformation and Global Collaboration Reporter: To begin, could you briefly outline Linde (China)’s strategic transformation efforts in recent years? Zheng Xinqing: Aligned with KION Group’s 2027 Strategy—formulated in 2017—which clearly identifies digitalization, automation, and new energy as key strategic pillars, Linde (China) formally launched its Mobile Robotics Business Unit in 2019. Subsequently, it assembled cross-functional teams to build end-to-end capabilities covering sales, solution design, system delivery, project implementation, after-sales service, and local R&D. Ceremony for the Launch of KION Asia-Pacific Automation Center of Excellence — 'Igniting a New Journey' In 2020, given the explosive growth of China’s mobile robotics market, KION Group established its Asia-Pacific AGV manufacturing and testing center at Linde (China), centralizing R&D for mobile robotics products. Empowered by advanced automation technologies and comprehensive solution integration capabilities, Linde Material Handling further articulated its strategic vision—to evolve from a standalone forklift manufacturer into a 'one-stop material handling solutions provider.' To deepen its Asia-Pacific market strategy—with China at its core—KION Group implemented two major strategic adjustments in 2024, further accelerating its automation transition: First, it established the Asia-Pacific Automation Center of Excellence at Linde (China), expanding Linde (China)’s jurisdiction beyond China to cover the entire Asia-Pacific region; Second, it significantly strengthened Linde (China)’s local R&D capacity by integrating its R&D system into the Automation Center of Excellence framework, enabling integrated management.

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Kimelman & Baird LLC Acquires 36,627 Shares of Linde PLC

1 day ago

Kimelman & Baird LLC increased its stake in Linde PLC by acquiring 36,627 shares worth $17.4 million in Q3. Linde also reported strong quarterly earnings beating estimates and announced a $1.60 dividend.

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