Helsinki-headquartered materials handling equipment manufacturer Kalmar Corporation has started producing electric empty container handlers and heavy-duty forklifts at its Shanghai production facility.

The Shanghai plant opened in 2005 and manufactures materials handling equipment including electric reachstackers, Essential forklifts, empty container handlers and terminal tractors.

The production launch of the electric empty container handlers and range of heavy-duty forklifts was held last week with the theme of Lift to new heights.

Kalmar says the manufacturing facility is located at the southeastern tip of Shanghai near one of the world’s busiest ports and serves customers in the Asia-Pacific, South America, India, Middle East and Africa regions.

The Kalmar electric empty container handler has a lift capacity of 10T and, the company says, enhances decarbonisation of cargo-handling operations. It is available with a number of modular lithium-ion battery options and charging solutions.

Alf-Gunnar Karlgren, president, Counter Balanced with Kalmar explains the decision to produce the forklifts and container carriers at its Shanghai site.

“Producing these machines at our Shanghai plant brings us closer to our customers, leading to shorter lead times, reduced import duties, and lower freight costs, which all positions us to better serve our customers and drive future growth,” Karlgren says.

Yew Boon Teo, Kalmar’s VP for the AMEA region adds: “Adding electric empty container handlers and heavy forklifts to our Shanghai facility’s production lineup will significantly enhance our competitive edge”.

“With these investments we are empowering our sales teams and dealers to lead the charge in this new electric era, as well as opening doors to the large forklift market and driving sustainable growth across the AMEA (Asia, Middle-East, Africa) region,” Teo continues.