Riding the wave of increasing automation and AI-powered robotics, the intralogistics group Kion is well-positioned for the new fiscal year despite the challenging global economy. In the first quarter, order intake rose to €2.985 billion (previous year: €2.7 billion). This was further boosted by a promising investment in the robot manufacturer Zikoo.
Photo: CeMAT Shanghai
The figures also suggest that Kion's EBIT increased noticeably compared to the previous year. Group sales in the first quarter were almost at the same level as the previous year. "Order intake and profitability have increased in both segments"said CEO Rob Smith. Kion has demonstrated its resilience in an environment of increasing global political uncertainty: "We confirm our forecast for 2026. (...) Together with Siemens, NVIDIA, and Accenture, we have advanced our partnerships and made significant progress."
Resilient structures
Kion also announced a strategic investment of 35 percent in Zikoo Robotics, a leading provider of robotics for pallet storage based in China. The company offers a range of solutions, including six-way shuttles, omnidirectional stacking robots, and an integrated software platform.
6-way shuttle. Photo: Zikoo
The investment is an important step in the strategy to build an ecosystem of partners in the field of automation technology. With their expanded portfolio of automated products, both companies aim to offer warehouse solutions that provide greater efficiency, better space utilization, and increased flexibility.
Order growth
Meanwhile, order intake in the forklift truck sector (Industrial Trucks & Services) rose by 4.2 percent to €2.041 billion (Q1 2025: €1.958 billion). The number of vehicles ordered increased by 11.3 percent to 72,600, benefiting from significant growth in counterbalance forklifts and warehouse equipment. However, the increase in new business also includes pull-forward effects related to the price increases announced for April 2026.
In the intelligent automation solutions segment, order intake rose significantly by 25.9 percent to €951.2 million (Q1 2025: €755.7 million). Project business (Business Solutions) saw a significant upswing compared to the first quarter of the previous year thanks to improved market dynamics, resulting in a strong increase in orders for pure e-commerce providers.
Stressful effects
Despite this, group sales remained almost at the previous year's level in the first quarter at €2.771 billion, although in the forklift segment Industrial Trucks & Services they fell by 4.9 percent to €2.012 billion. Nevertheless, the current geopolitical situation resulting from the war with Iran could have adverse effects on the economic environment, particularly in the form of rising energy, transport, and material costs along global supply chains.
Photos: Kion
Kion therefore implemented commercial and operational measures during the reporting period to limit resulting cost increases. The assessment of the expected business development of the Group and its operating segments, it states, is subject to the condition that no additional significant burdens arise from the current geopolitical situation.
