MOVING FASTER TOGETHER
The goal for all KION Group companies represented at ProMat was to make a statement. With the largest combined footprint of exhibit space at the show entrance, coordinating signage and aisle lighting directing attendees down KION Boulevard, we achieved that goal.
On day one, we hosted a joint press conference along with Dematic. Gordon Riske, CEO of KION Group, spoke about how far our companies have come and our direction for the future as we leverage our synergies. Scott Watts, executive vice president of Dematic North America, shared how to leverage software and automation to respond to today’s ever-challenging business requirements.
The three closed the press conference by answering questions from members of the media. In their coverage, Materials Management & Distribution magazine wrote “KION stole the show at ProMat.”
If you haven’t had a chance to view, you can watch the replay of our live stream from the press conference on KION North America’s Facebook page.
MAKING HISTORY
KION North America made history with the release of five new forklifts at ProMat—the largest product release in both company and material handling industry history.
The Linde Series 1347 is an electric, cushion tire truck powered by either a 36V or 48V battery. The Linde Series 1219 and 1319 are two internal combustion, counterbalanced torque converter trucks. Powered by a Ford 2.5L fuel-injected engine, the 1219 is suited for outdoor applications whereas the 1319 is suited for indoor use. All three trucks feature load capacities ranging from 5,000 to 6,500 lbs.
The Baoli KBD Series features a Kohler Tier 4 Final diesel engine and load capacities up to 7,000 lbs.
Prior to the show, KION NA also introduced the Linde Series 1279—an electric Class I truck with pneumatic tires with a load capacity of 13,000 to 17,500 lbs. Two additional Baoli models and a Linde Class I stand-on electric will be added to the company’s product line later this year.
With these additions to its Linde and Baoli product lines, the company now has a more comprehensive product portfolio of industrial trucks.
DEALER MEETING & AWARDS
On day three of ProMat, KION North America hosted a meeting for its dealer distribution network. In addition to product information, attendees learned about new services including Lithium-ion battery technology and Linde’s fleet management tool—Connected Solutions, and the company’s new retail financing program.
During the meeting, dealers who do not carry other OEM product lines were presented with KION North America blazers in recognition of their dedication and commitment to the company’s mission. Recipients were as follows: Tim Balint of Advantage Materials Handling; Michel Lavoie of Equipment Industriels Bdl, Inc.; Gene Brogan of Homestead Materials Handling; Ed Mauser, Sr. of Industrial Parts and Service; Chris Reynolds of IPW Lift Techs; Garrett Casey of Kaweah Lift; Mark Milovich of Lift Atlanta; and Greg Radonich of Lift Truck Service, Inc.
Afterward, the company hosted a hospitality event at the original Harry Caray’s location—an iconic Chicago establishment—where guests were treated to a meet and greet with Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg. At this event, KION North America awarded their top dealers based on their 2016 performance.
TEST DRIVE EXPERIENCE
To complement our booth display at ProMat, KION North America hosted a product showcase and test drive experience at Illinois Material Handling’s new Bolingbrook location on the final day of the show. Other dealers who attended ProMat, as well as customers located throughout the Chicagoland and Rockford areas, traveled to see the latest in lift truck technology. The electric, LP and diesel-powered trucks forklifts available included those featuring Linde’s patented hydrostatic drive and advanced 80-volt technologies. It was also a special opportunity to drive the new Linde 1411 Series 35,000 lb. capacity lift truck—one of the largest forklifts on the market.
ProMat 2017 attracted more than 950 exhibitors and thousands of attendees from around the world to Chicago’s McCormick Place. Overall, the show was a huge success and major milestone for KION North America.
