Material handling technology in high demand
Although the market for material handling technology did not grow as strongly in 2022 as in previous years, it remained stable and at a high level. The large potential of this market could not be fully harnessed in the fiscal year due to the global shortage of materials.
Turnover in the material handling technology product segment varied greatly between the individual regions. The European Union, one of the segmentʼs main sales regions, saw a significant increase in turnover. The focus markets of France, Germany and Italy saw particularly strong growth. In Asia and Oceania, growth stimuli came primarily from China, Australia and Japan, while in North America the increase in turnover can be attributed to the USA market. Central and South America remained relatively constant. However, Liebherr recorded slumps in turnover in non-EU countries – particularly Russia and Turkey – and in Africa, Near and Middle East.
Cost-effective, reliable and efficient material handling technology plays an important role in the resource-saving circular economy. Liebherr is constantly expanding its product portfolio in line with customer and market needs.
Focus on alternative drive concepts
In the business year, Liebherr focused on enhancing and expanding its product portfolio. The Group introduced the new LH 26 M Timber Litronic in the 25-tonne range to its range of timber trucks.
It also presented a new multi-tine grab that is optimally tailored to customer needs and designed to cope with the toughest jobs in recycling and scrap processing. At Bauma 2022 in Munich, Germany, Liebherr presented other machines for a wide range of applications, including the LH 22 M Industry. When paired with the appropriate attachments, this can be used not only for recycling, but also for tree care and the timber industry.
A key focus in the development of material handling technology was the expansion of the availability and implementation of alternative drive concepts. At Bauma, Liebherr presented its outlook for future-oriented solutions and presented concepts that are already available, such as the port material handler LH 150 M Port E with an electric drive system and new mobile gantry portal undercarriage, and the electric material handler LH 26 M Industry E, featuring a battery-powered mobility kit for temporary off-grid operation. Liebherr also presented three application optimised propulsion concepts for telescopic handlers: hydrotreated vegetable oils (HVO) as a low-emission counterpart or additive to fossil fuels; a battery-electric drive; and a hybrid drive consisting of a combustion engine and an electric motor.
In 2022, Liebherr paved the way for digitalised sales processes when it introduced a product configurator for material handling technology. The tool enables configuration of the desired machines regardless of time or location.
Scarcity of raw materials and the trend towards sustainable steel production mean that the recycling sector, especially the scrap industry, is becoming increasingly important and that material handling technology is consequently in high demand. Despite the uncertainties caused by the geopolitical situation and the availability of materials, Liebherr is optimistic about the material handling technology segment in 2023, not least because its order books are well-filled.
Material handling technology
Liebherr recorded a total turnover of € 586 million in material handling technology in the 2022 business year, which represents an increase of € 32 million or 5.8 % on the previous year.
Turnover in € m from 554 | + 5.8% |
|---|---|
Investments in € m from 36 | - 2.8% |
Employees from 590 | - 30.7% |
Turnover by sales regions
- 50.2%European Union
- 17.9%Non-EU countries
- 24.9%North America
- 2.2%Central and South America
- 4.3%Asia and Oceania
- 0.5%Africa, Near and Middle East