Material handling technology
The material handling technology product segment achieved a total turnover of € 554 million in 2021. This represents a € 77 million or 16.1 % increase compared with the year before.
Leading in key markets
The past business year saw a significant recovery in the global material handling technology market. Liebherr performed in line with this trend, achieving an increase in turnover. The company was able to further consolidate its global market shares with its products and services. In most key markets, Liebherr maintained its position as market leader. Sales were particularly strong in North America, especially the USA, followed by the non-EU countries with Norway and the United Kingdom. Sales figures in the European Union also developed favourably, thanks in particular to strong performances in France, Spain, Portugal and Finland. By contrast, a downturn in sales was evident in Asia and Oceania and Central and South America. The sharpest decline in sales was noted in Africa and the Near and Middle East.
Electrification and digitalisation are key development priorities for material handling machines. Liebherr is working intensively to optimise electric drive concepts.
Driving forward electrification and digitalization
Throughout the year, Liebherr expanded and further developed its material handling portfolio. One key example was the LH 26 M Industry Litronic material handler with its specially designed undercarriage, which makes this compact machine ideal for cost-effective, efficient timber handling. The addition of the LH 60 M Port Litronic rounds off the product portfolio in the port handling segment. This new solution means that Liebherr now offers a specialised handling machine for every port application. Liebherr also updated its L 550 and L 556 XPower wheel loader models to optimise the performance of their engines, working hydraulics and lift arms.
Electrification and digitalisation were both key development priorities for material handling machines over the past year. Liebherr worked intensively on optimising its electric drive concepts to improve mobility. Numerous R&D projects also focused on digital transformation, with a particular focus on innovative remote solutions. In 2021, for example, remote support was used for the first time to assemble and commission two new LH 150 C Electro Gantry Port Litronic electric handling machines in Indonesia.
In light of currently strong order volumes, Liebherr expects significant growth for the material handling technology product segment in 2022. However, the strained procurement market may impose some limitations for growth. Moreover, it is not yet predictable to what extent the consequences of the war in Ukraine and the sanctions against Russia will have an impact on this forecast.