Baoli's new logo.

The grand opening ceremony of KION Baoli (Jiangsu) Forklift Co Ltd, held at the Jingjiang Economic Development Zone in Jiangsu province early this month, marked the entry of a fourth forklift brand into the group.

KION Baoli is a joint venture between leading forklift maker KION and the Jiangsu Baoli Group (Forkliftaction.com News #394). KION already owns the global forklift brands Linde, Still and OM.

Quek Chingpong, CEO of KION Asia and chairman of KION Baoli, says the new company will adopt best practice in manufacturing processes and quality assurance from the KION Group.

"In less than three months of integration work, we are able to offer the market a (facelifted) product. This product will see improved efficiency and quality enhancements," he says.

The General Consul of the German General Consulate in Shanghai and KION Group CEO Gordon Riske were among the VIPs at the opening ceremony of KION Baoli (Jiangsu) Forklift Co Ltd.

Quek explains that the speed of some Baoli forklifts has been improved by 19% and new safety features include automatic speed control for three-wheel electric forklifts. KION Baoli also unveiled a new logo for the brand, aimed at creating a "modern impression".

The new company will capitalise on KION's operational strengths and Baoli's low-cost manufacturing platform to establish itself as a leader in the global low-end materials handling market.

KION Baoli has a global network of over 200 sales, service and branch offices in the US, Germany and Dubai, and branches, sales offices and dealerships in more than 40 Chinese cities.

Guests at the ceremony included Jiangsu province government officials, the General Consul of the German General Consulate in Shanghai, a German Chamber of Commerce representative, and KION Group CEO Gordon Riske.