French-headquartered aerial work platform and telehandler manufacturer, Manitou Group, and Chinese-founded forklift maker, Hangcha Group, have announced a joint venture which will specialise in the manufacturing and distribution of lithium-ion batteries.

The JV is now pending review and approval by the European competition authorities.

It will operate from a site in Le Mans, France, selected with the help of local authorities and the economic development agency of Region Pays de la Loire.

The JV will operate “with complete independence”, a statement from Manitou reads, “in order to address the lithium-ion battery market, bringing new solutions to customers”. 

“The objective of this establishment is to help customers to upgrade their lead-acid battery-powered vehicles with longer lasting lithium-ion batteries to expand their operational lifespan,” the statement continues. 

“New product ranges are also concerned.”

Michel Denis, President & CEO of Manitou Group, states: "This creation, undertaken with one of our long-standing partners, will allow us to accelerate the deployment of our electric industrial vehicle ranges, in line with the ambitions announced during the presentation of our new ‘LIFT' roadmap”. 

“Hangcha's expertise in battery manufacturing significantly increases our battery production capabilities and fully integrates with our low-carbon trajectory,” Denis explains.

Hangcha Group chairman and general manager, Zhao Limin adds: “Deepening strategic co-operation with Manitou Group and jointly establishing a lithium battery joint marks a new phase in the partnership between the two sides, which is a milestone in Hangcha global industrial layout”. 

“This partnership perfectly aligns with our shared objectives to accelerate electrification transformation and drive sustainable development, while providing robust support to the broader industrial vehicle market.”

Manitou has been slowly expanding its reach into different markets. In May, the company announced it had established Manitou Group Robotics with French engineering company Sitia as part of its strategic roadmap for the future and, last year expanded its South Dakota manufacturing facility.

Hangcha, meanwhile, has been growing very quickly this year including earlier this month announcing a new partnership with Thai distributor JD.com and establishing a presence in Vietnam in May.

Earlier in the year, the Hangcha opened a new Thai manufacturing facility in April, and in March established its first site in Europe with a sales and rental centre in France.