The German Jungheinrich Group is one of the world’s top suppliers of industrial trucks, warehousing and intralogistics. Bai Daping, general manager of Jungheinrich’s China branch, said that the group will exhibit three types of fully-automatic intelligent forklifts at the China International Import Expo (CIIE), as well as the most advanced products, technologies and system integration programs to clients from various industries and fields, showcasing its intelligent technology, efficient logistics, and the future trends of intralogistics in this new era of automation.

During the matchmaking for exhibitors & buyers of the high-end intelligent equipment of the CIIE on August 8, Jungheinrich exhibited four types of forklifts — EJC M13 G electric stacker, EJE M13G electric stacker, EFG 320n electric forklift, and ETV 114n reach truck. But Jungheinrich’s latest products have not been shown on that day as Bai said that the company wants to keep the suspense till the expo.

“For the Chinese market, the products of greatest potential are unmanned forklifts and intelligent sorting trucks; we hope to offer better solutions to our clients to deal with the rising labor cost,” said Bai.

“Unmanned forklifts can meet companies’ demands for 24-hour operation, as they not only have accurate navigation, but also the ability to automatically follow their operators and respond to voice command. At present, domestic forklifts are mainly diesel and electrical ones. In the field of smart automation, intralogistics should be made easier and more efficient, for example, by realizing the ability of following operator and remote control.”

In Bai’s view, the CIIE will not only provide opportunities for exchange among exhibitors, but also promote the exchange of values and concepts between the East and the West. “Such an exchange should not be limited to the six-days expo but gather the thoughts of all parties throughout the year to spark and realize ideas,” he said.

As the high-end logistics equipment company participating in the Germany’s Industry 4.0 strategy, Jungheinrich hopes to show German technologies and products at the CIIE. It also hopes to demonstrate German spirit of craftsmanship.

“Whether in China or Europe, the upgrade of technologies and products is the result, whereas the revolution of concepts and values is the cause; if the CIIE can help China’s manufacturing reshape its value system, this will be the start of innovation,” Bai said. “Only by respecting the spirit and values of craftsmanship and by making a comprehensive assessment system instead of following the logic of ‘lower prices always win’ can we possibly boost innovation and revolution in the upstream value chain.”

Jungheinrich has been operating in China for 14 years with many products being locally produced in its factory in Shanghai Qingpu District, and it has even established a localized R&D team in the district to further meet the needs of the Asia-Pacific and Chinese markets. However, to stick to its high standard for quality, Jungheinrich still has some components sourced from its supply chains in Germany. 

Bai said through exchange in values and concepts between manufacturing in the East and the West, localized production, research and development can be further promoted in China in the future. Jungheinrich hopes to witness and participate in the overall improvement process of China’s supply chain, he said.