Linde Material Handling has invested nearly EUR10 million (USD12.95 million) in a new development centre at its German headquarters in Aschaffenburg.

Construction of the three new buildings that comprise the centre cost EUR9.8 million (USD12.69 million) and took "just under 18 months", a Linde statement said. The centre adds 10,000 square metres of space for new offices, test bays, workshops, assembly shops and a model production shop. Occupancy is expected to start next year.

Stefan Rinck, Linde Material Handling's management board chairman, said the company aimed to expand its development team.

"With the new development centre for drive systems and forklifts, we are headed for long-term strengthening of capabilities in innovation and expertise in technology.

"[We] are on the lookout for well-trained engineers," he said.

The new buildings were part of Linde's "innovative processes and evolutionary products" aimed at shortening product development time and streamlining development processes, the statement said.