Kion Signs AMR Deal with Chinese Manufacturer Quicktron

Kion Group has entered a strategic partnership with Quicktron, a recently-established Chinese manufacturer of autonomous mobile robots (AMR) based in Shanghai.

Representatives from both companies recently met in Xiamen, China, to sign a distribution agreement as well as a memorandum of understanding on their joint development plans. Under the agreement, and effective immediately, Quicktron products are to be distributed via the global sales and service networks of the Kion brands Linde Material Handling, STILL and Dematic. The arrangement expands Kion Group’s global product offering of automated warehouse solutions. The leading intralogistics group also plans to acquire a minority stake of less than 10 percent in Quicktron. The partners have agreed not to disclose the size of the investment.

“We are delighted to be forming this strategic partnership with Quicktron. We can offer our customers an even more extensive product range in the automated truck segment,” said Kion CEO, Gordon Riske, at the signing, adding, “The collaboration with Quicktron is expected to further strengthen our position in the automated truck market.”

“Quicktron is a leading autonomous mobile robot manufacturer in China and has been growing steadily,” notes Ching Pong Quek, Kion Executive Board member and Chief Asia Pacific & Americas Officer. “It perfectly complements our skills and experience in the KION Mobile Automation business. The collaboration unlocks additional opportunities to participate in this global growth market and provides our customers with a unique product offering.”

Quicktron was established in Shanghai in 2014 and currently employs around 400 individuals worldwide. It offers smart intralogistics solutions using technology based on artificial intelligence (AI).