The purchase of forklifts and warehouse equipment is a key decision affecting reliability, availability of spare parts, and the continuity of logistics processes within the company. To find out which corporations set global standards and shape the future of the internal transport industry, it is worth referring to the most important European benchmark — the annual analytical report “Global Ranking List of Forklifts 2024-2025”, published by the renowned German magazine dhf Intralogistik.
Top 20 Forklift and Warehouse Equipment Manufacturers
Toyota Material Handling (Japan) — The undisputed leader in the forklift market with annual sales exceeding 17 billion euros (~30% market share). The brands Toyota, BT, Raymond, and Cesab are known for their reliability, active stability system (SAS), and the highest resale value in the secondary market.
KION Group (Germany) — A European giant (brands Linde, STILL, Baoli) achieving over 8.4 billion euros in revenue. It sets standards in advanced ergonomics, hydraulics, and warehouse automation.
Jungheinrich AG (Germany) — A technological pioneer from Hamburg (~5.5 billion euros). It specializes in very narrow aisle (VNA) forklifts, unmanned AGV systems, and its own lithium-ion (Li-Ion) batteries.
Crown Equipment Corp. (USA) — An American manufacturer (~5.1 billion euros) valued for its efficient forklifts, lift trucks, and reach trucks with exceptionally robust construction.
Mitsubishi Logisnext (Japan) — Japanese corporation (brands Mitsubishi, CAT Lift Trucks, Nichiyu, TCM, Rocla) with a turnover of €4.06 billion. A leader in reliable internal combustion and electric forklifts.
Hyster-Yale Materials Handling (USA) — Corporation (brands Hyster, Yale) generating ~€3.9 billion, dominating the heavy forklift and handling equipment segment.
Anhui Forklift Group / Heli (China) — The largest Chinese forklift manufacturer (brands Heli, CHL) with revenue exceeding €2.1 billion, focusing on mass production and affordable prices.
Hangcha Group (China) — Leading Chinese exporter (~€2.0 billion), developing modern electric forklifts and budget internal combustion forklifts.
Doosan Bobcat (South Korea) — Manufacturer (~€1.4 billion) known for durable internal combustion forklifts with its own diesel engines and robust chassis.
Clark Material Handling (USA / South Korea) — Creator of the world's first forklift (~€900 million), offering simple and proven warehouse machines.
Hyundai Material Handling (South Korea) — Division of the Hyundai corporation (~€850 million) offering strong forklifts with rich standard equipment.
EP Equipment (China) — Fast-growing manufacturer (~€800 million), a leader in the compact electric pallet and stacker forklift segment with Li-Ion technology.
Komatsu (Japan) — Japanese machinery giant (~€750 million), producing extremely durable forklifts with hydrostatic drive.
Lonking Forklift (China) — Manufacturer (~€650 million) supplying affordable internal combustion forklifts for use in harsh conditions.
Combilift (Ireland) — Global leader (~€600 million) in the production of specialist multidirectional forklifts for transporting long loads.
LiuGong Machinery (China) — Corporation (~€550 million) offering versatile and highly durable forklifts.
Noblelift Intelligent Equipment (China) — Specialist (~€500 million) in pallet trucks, electric lift trucks, and light warehouse equipment.
Manitou Group (France) — French expert (~€450 million) in the field of rough terrain forklifts and telehandlers.
Hubtex (Germany) — Manufacturer of specialist forklifts (~€350 million), creating heavy multidirectional forklifts to individual orders.
Godrej & Boyce (India) — Leader in the Indian market (~€300 million), producing affordable forklifts for export.
Key Trends in the Warehouse Equipment Market
Japanese and European quality: Brands such as Toyota, Linde, and Jungheinrich dominate the market, ensuring hassle-free access to spare parts and high value for used forklifts.
Expansion of forklifts from China: Chinese manufacturers (Heli, Hangcha, EP) are dynamically gaining market share due to competitive pricing and widespread adoption of lithium-ion batteries.
Niche specialization: Niche manufacturers, such as Combilift and Hubtex, maintain a strong position through solutions for transporting long and oversized loads.
Sources and Industry Reports:
dhf Intralogistik industry magazine:
Official report dhf World Ranking of Forklift Trucks:
https://dhf-magazin.com/flurfoerderzeuge/kommentare-weltrangliste-2024-2025/
Overview of Top 20 Lift Truck Suppliers (Modern Materials Handling):
https://www.mmh.com/article/top_20_lift_truck_suppliers_2024