April 3, 2025 — China Forklift Website has released the 2024 Annual Ranking of Chinese Forklift Manufacturers.
The list is based on annual sales revenue in five categories of powered industrial vehicles (excluding semi-electric stackers and manual pallet trucks), with a minimum threshold of RMB 65 million.
According to statistics, China’s total forklift sales reached 1.29 million units in 2024, marking a 9.52% year-on-year increase. Notably, electric forklifts accounted for 73.61% of the total, reflecting an 18.79% growth from the previous year—highlighting the industry's acceleration toward greener and smarter development.
Zhejiang MAXLION: A Rising Star Debuts at No. 36
Among this year’s entries, Zhejiang MAXLION Forklift Manufacturing Co., Ltd. made a notable debut, ranking 36th and becoming the only newcomer on the list in 2024.
Founded on April 7, 2024, the company markets its products under the MAXLION brand, which has been successfully registered in China, the EU, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Turkey, Brazil, and other countries.
In October 2024, MAXLION completed the full acquisition of ZHEJIANG MANLI MACHINERY MANUFACTURING CO., LTD., a company originally established in 2021. Export data under the original MANLI brand has since been integrated into MAXLION's performance. For the year 2024, exports accounted for over 90% of the company's sales, earning it the designation of a "Type D" enterprise. Its major markets include Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia.
Product Innovation Across Five Key Segments
Zhejiang MAXLION focuses on five major forklift categories:
- 1.8T–12T Internal Combustion Forklifts
- 1.5T–3.8T New Li-ion Forklifts
- 1.8T–3.5T Rough Terrain Forklifts
- 1.5T–3.0T Compact Tele-truck
- 3.5T–5.0T Side Loaders
With a customer-centric and market-driven approach, the company continues to pursue product innovation and develop specialized forklifts tailored to niche markets. MAXLION is committed to delivering high-quality products, reasonable pricing, and professional service.
Maxlion's X series- New Li-ion Electric Forklift 1.5-3.8T
Industrial Upgrade: New Factory to Begin Operations in 2025
In June 2024, MAXLION secured industrial land in Haining High-Tech Zone, Zhejiang Province. Construction of its new factory officially commenced in July with a total investment of RMB 120 million and a land area of 20,000 square meters.
The facility is designed with an annual capacity of 8,000 units of new energy and specialized forklifts and is expected to be operational by May 2025.
Originally established as Zhejiang Maximal Import & Export Co., Ltd. (ZMIE), the MAXLION Group now employs over 80 staff, including 15 engineers, and holds 18 national patents covering inventions, utility models, and designs. More than half of its core team members have over 15 years of industry experience, excelling in design, manufacturing, marketing, after-sales service, OEM, and resource integration.
Maxlion New li-ion battery forklift
Industry Trends and Outlook
As the global forklift industry rapidly transitions toward smart and eco-friendly technologies, market competition is becoming increasingly consolidated. Zhejiang MAXLION’s rise reflects not only its strong positioning in export markets but also the growing importance of innovation and specialization in the next chapter of forklift manufacturing.
China forklift ranking 2024:
