Subscribe

Tag: Clark Europe

Polish Forklift Sales Agreement

Posted on by David Priestman

Clark Europe and Zeppelin Polska Sp. z o.o. have signed a cooperation agreement. With this strategic partnership, the manufacturer of industrial trucks aims to further expand its presence on the Polish market, and at the same time strengthen its position as a major supplier of industrial trucks in Europe.

On the occasion of the signing of the contract in Duisburg, Stefan Budweit, President & CEO of Clark Europe GmbH, said: “We are very pleased about the partnership with Zeppelin Polska. Zeppelin Polska is a renowned traditional company with many years of experience in the logistics sector and an excellent reputation in the industry. With this cooperation, we would like to offer our customers in Poland an even more comprehensive range of services. We are convinced that this partnership will be a success for both sides.”

“The new partnership is a significant step for us in the area of sales of handling equipment on the Polish market. We are looking forward to the new cooperation”, said Jan Gruenwald, CEO of Zeppelin Polska.

Trust through tradition

Zeppelin Polska belongs to Zeppelin Group which offers comprehensive solutions in the construction, agriculture, recycling, energy and industry sectors: from machine sales and service to rental and project solutions as well as engineering, plant construction and drive systems. Zeppelin is represented in 29 countries worldwide with over 12,000 employees. In the 2024 financial year, Zeppelin generated revenue of EUR 3.8 billion. With a completed acquisition in 2025, revenue will increase to over EUR 5 billion.

Focus on material transportation

Zeppelin Polska Sp. z o.o., founded in 2003, is a subsidiary of Zeppelin CZ part of Zeppelin Group. With its headquarters in Nadarzyn and six other locations in Poland, the company specialises in material handling and is very active in heavy industry and the industrial sector. As an authorised dealer, Zeppelin Polska distributes Clark as well as brands such as Noblelift, Socma forklifts, Manitou telescopic forklifts, Grove mobile cranes, terminal tractors from TII Kamag, low-loaders, and modular trailers from TII Scheuerle, and sweepers from Green Machines. The company offers both new equipment sales and flexible rental options and complements its range with a large selection of used vehicles.

Customer service is a high priority at Zeppelin Polska. This includes a comprehensive, professional service in Poland, access to original spare parts and training in the operation of the machines. An experienced team of 163 employees, including 15 salespeople and 75 service technicians, as well as eight service centres and 56 customer service vehicles, support customers at every stage – from needs analysis to the implementation of the optimal solution.

This strategic cooperation with Zeppelin Polska underlines Clark’s mission to offer innovative and high-quality solutions in the field of industrial trucks worldwide through highly qualified sales partners and to continuously expand and improve the sales network.

“We are very pleased to begin our partnership with the Clark brand – a company that not only boasts over 100 years of tradition, but also demonstrates impressive technological advancement and a modern, forward-looking product portfolio. Today, Clark is a dynamic manufacturer whose solutions respond directly to the real-world demands of modern logistics and industry. This cooperation aligns perfectly with our long-term strategy of delivering comprehensive and innovative solutions to the market,” concludes Jan David, General Manager of Zeppelin Polska.

Similar news

https://www.logisticsbusiness.com/materials-handling-warehousing/polish-sales-partner-for-electric-tugs/

 

From Heritage to High-Tech Forklifts

Posted on by Peter MacLeod

In an interview with Stefan Budweit, President and CEO of Clark Europe, Peter MacLeod detects the brand shifting strategically in a more high-tech direction.

As the global materials handling sector undergoes seismic shifts – driven primarily by sustainability mandates, technological innovation, and evolving customer demands – Clark Europe is on a mission not just to keep up but to leap ahead. At the helm of this ambitious transformation is Stefan Budweit, its President and CEO, whose three-decade career spans major names like Jungheinrich, Toyota, and now, Clark, having replaced Rolf Eiten on 1st January this year. In an exclusive interview with Logistics Business, Budweit discusses the brand’s growth strategy, product innovation, and how a century-old name is reinventing itself for the electric age.

Growth-Driven Challenger

Budweit’s career journey mirrors the evolution of the industry itself. Starting in parts sales with Jungheinrich before taking on international sales roles, and later leading global key accounts at Toyota, he’s no stranger to operating at scale. “The transition to Clark was a chance to build something new,” Budweit explains. “At Jungheinrich and Toyota, you’re maintaining a large ship. At Clark, we saw the opportunity to grow from a lower base with fresh thinking. We had nothing to lose – only ground to gain.”

Now, with his promotion to CEO, Budweit is tasked with steering the next chapter in Clark’s storied history. “Taking Clark from a global ranking of around 14 or 15 to a top-10 position, that’s a task that excites me.”

Clark’s strategy isn’t about chasing every trend or copying market leaders. Instead, it focuses on aligning its products with customer needs, especially those of its core base: small to mid-sized businesses with fleets of up to 20 units. These customers, often underserved by larger OEMs, are facing the same pressures to cut carbon emissions and improve efficiency as the major logistics players.

“The role of the forklift hasn’t fundamentally changed – it still moves pallets from A to B,” says Budweit. “But the environment in which it operates has. That’s where we see opportunity.”
One of Clark’s key growth initiatives lies in its newly-announced crossover models, electric trucks designed for outdoor use, previously a stronghold of internal combustion (IC) vehicles. These rugged, high-clearance trucks can handle conditions where diesel and gas once reigned supreme, such as mud, rain, and uneven ground.

“These crossover models meet customer needs for performance and sustainability,” Budweit notes. “And because many big players don’t yet offer a comparable product, we see a real chance to carve out market share.”

Sustainability with Substance

For Clark, sustainability is a sales imperative. Across Europe, emissions regulations are accelerating the decline of IC trucks. Meanwhile, companies of all sizes face growing pressure to report on their ESG metrics.

“Even smaller customers now need to reduce their carbon footprint and report it in their annual reviews,” Budweit says. “We’re helping by providing electric alternatives and also by offering transparency in our own production and logistics emissions. ESG is now a core part of our value proposition.”

This shift is most visible in Clark’s electrification strategy. While IC trucks remain important in less regulated markets like Africa and parts of the Middle East, in Europe, electric models dominate, particularly in warehousing where electric account for around 65% of the market.

To serve this demand, Clark offers both lithium-ion and lead-acid battery options across its electric range. “Flexibility is key,” Budweit says. “Many customers start with lead-acid and upgrade later. Our trucks are designed to accommodate both.”

Another sign of Clark’s transformation is in branding. Gone are the cryptic model names, and in come the bold new product lines Raider and Renegade introduced at LogiMAT.
“The names help us position products for specific markets,” Budweit explains. “Raider is the entry-level option, cost-effective and durable. Renegade is for more demanding applications, with advanced features and premium ergonomics.”

The differentiation also allows Clark to tailor offerings across regions. While Eastern Europe may favour budget-friendly models, Scandinavia expects high-end features and comfort. With centralised product groups now coordinating global development, Clark is better equipped than ever to deliver region-specific solutions.

Going Digital

As the forklift industry evolves beyond the mechanical into the digital, Clark is embracing the shift. Its new fleet management system – developed in-house rather than outsourced – is a response to changing customer profiles and the rise of larger fleet operators.

“In the past, our customers didn’t necessarily demand fleet management,” Budweit says. “But as our client base grows to include bigger operators, we’re providing smart solutions, factory-installed, and fully integrated.”

Looking ahead, Clark sees potential in leveraging AI for predictive maintenance and safety features, particularly in real-time hazard detection. “AI is already playing a role in fleet optimisation,” Budweit says. “We’re integrating these capabilities to meet the demands of a more sophisticated user base.”

The Brand Comes Home

Founded in 1917, Clark invented the modern forklift. Today, Budweit sees that legacy as both a differentiator and an asset. “In many countries, when people say ‘forklift,’ they still say ‘Clark,’” he notes. The company is tapping into that heritage with a symbolic move: on 10th April, it officially returned its global headquarters to Dallas, Texas. “Clark is coming home,” Budweit says with a smile. “We’re reopening our US manufacturing base and reconnecting with our American roots.”

From rugged electric crossover trucks to AI-enabled fleet solutions, Clark is reimagining itself for a future that demands sustainability, flexibility, and performance. And under Budweit’s leadership, the company is not just talking about transformation, it’s building it one truck and one customer at a time. “The sky is the limit,” he concludes. Clark has no pretences to become another Toyota or Jungheinrich – it’s cornering a healthy market where a heritage brand meets future-ready thinking.

Crossover Series Replaces Combustion Engine

Posted on by David Priestman

‘Get electrified with crossover technology’ is the motto under which the industrial truck specialist Clark presented the new Crossover series to the public for the first time at LogiMAT 2025 in Stuttgart. The Crossover models combine the advantages of environmentally friendly electric forklift trucks with the versatility and robustness of traditional diesel and LPG forklift trucks. Clark is thus setting new standards in material handling, especially for intensive indoor and outdoor applications. Another special feature: Clark has given product names to forklift trucks again for a long time. For example, the L25-35XE goes by the name “Raider” and the S25-35XE by “Renegade”.

The right crossover model for every application

The two new crossover series L25-35XE and S25-35XE with load capacities of 2.5 to 3.5 tons are the next logical step for Clark in its efforts to further electrify the Clark counterbalance truck product range and increase the performance of electric forklifts to such an extent that they can replace combustion engines in all areas of application.

In order to meet this requirement, the Raider and Renegade, for example, are mounted on the proven Clark chassis of IC engine-powered forklift trucks. This has the advantage that the crossover electric forklift trucks not only have the high ground clearance of IC trucks, but also the correspondingly larger and more robust tires and greater legroom for the operator. This equips the vehicles perfectly for outdoor use – especially on uneven terrain or bumps. On the other hand, the crossover trucks also achieve comparable values to combustion engines in terms of driving speed, working aisle width, turning radius and climbing ability. Thanks to water-protected components, such as the IP54 protection (dust and splash-proof) of the drive and hydraulic motor, they can be used in damp working environments or outdoors in bad weather without any problems.

The powerful emission-free lithium-ion batteries based on lithium iron phosphate technology (Li-FePO4) also ensure a powerful drive with long operating times and short charging times. Different battery capacities and chargers are available depending on the power requirement, including an onboard charger integrated into the vehicle. This enables fast and flexible recharging anytime and anywhere – indoors or outdoors. All these features make the Raider and Renegade the ideal choice for demanding indoor and outdoor applications where high efficiency is paramount.

Solid and robust powerhouse for shift work

The Raider series (L25-35XE) opens the door to the crossover segment. It offers operators an environmentally friendly and solid alternative to forklift trucks with combustion engines. The vehicles are characterized by excellent all-round visibility, predictable handling and an ergonomic driver’s seat with generous foot space. The Raider therefore ensures fatigue-free working, even over long shifts. The electric drive ensures powerful acceleration thanks to immediately available maximum torque and optimum power delivery. The robust Raider reaches a maximum driving speed of 19 km/h.

Thanks to the excellent all-round view of the load and the surroundings, safe operation is guaranteed. The intelligent arrangement of the controls reduces the physical strain on the driver and enables easy operation without unnecessary arm and shoulder movements. The fully suspended comfortable seat absorbs shocks and vibrations on uneven ground. The ramp function prevents unintentional acceleration or rolling backwards on ramps and inclines.

The Raider series is equipped with a modern 4.3-inch LCD colour display that provides information on all important driving parameters. Three riding modes are available to adapt the riding characteristics to the application: H (High), S (Standard) and E (Eco). For additional safety, the L25-35XE series is equipped with the Operator Presence System (OPS). The OPS automatically switches off the hydraulic and drive functions when the operator leaves the driver’s seat. The truck can only be moved when the operator is seated and in control of the vehicle.

To adapt the Raider to different applications, Clark offers, for example, different driver’s seats, blue LED warning lights as a visual reversing warning, additional hydraulic functions for attachments, fork positioners with sideshift function.

The powerhouse for demanding customers

The Clark Renegade (S25-35XE) is designed for operators who want the benefits of the Clark S-Series – Smart. Strong. Safe. Built on the proven chassis of the S-Series IC engine-powered forklifts, the models, like the S-Series Electric, have an impressive range of safety features, customizable options and maximum comfort. They therefore offer maximum flexibility for a wide range of indoor and outdoor applications.

As a powerful yet very quiet electric forklift truck, the Renegade combines pioneering Li-ion technology with a robust, ergonomically optimized vehicle frame and tried-and-tested lift masts from our own production with 6-roller fork carriage. Its emission-free and low-noise operation makes the Renegade the ideal choice for applications in mixed areas where the focus is on quiet work processes. The vehicle achieves a sound pressure level at the driver’s ear of less than 65 dB(A). Thanks to its versatile safety functions and extensive options, the S25-35XE can be flexibly adapted to the individual requirements of a wide range of industries and applications. The complete ramp stop ensures safe use on ramps, for example if the vehicle is frequently used for truck loading. The roll-back protection activates the automatic parking brake and thus prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards.

The ergonomic driver’s workplace offers maximum comfort. The slim steering column offers the operator generous legroom, while the optimally positioned step ensures safe and comfortable entry and exit. The hydraulic levers, ergonomically mounted next to the driver’s seat with integrated direction change, enable intuitive and effortless control. The operator enjoys excellent all-round visibility. All these features reduce additional stress factors for the driver and allow safe and efficient work.

The Renegade’s Smart Display provides all important driving parameters at a glance. Among other things, it shows the battery status, error codes and operating hours in a clearly structured manner. The information is available in various languages. The driving characteristics, such as acceleration and braking behaviour, can be individually adapted to the operator’s requirements via the 5-inch colour display. When using a reversing camera, the image is transmitted directly to the colour display. This means that the driver always has an overview of the route and surroundings, even when reversing. The optional load weight display is also shown to the driver via the Smart Display. This increases safety during load handling. Long operating times and short charging cycles thanks to the advanced Li-Ion technology make the Renegade a reliable partner for companies that need a reliable and efficient solution.

The extensive optional equipment of the Renegade series includes different cabs, such as rain protection (steel roof), weather protection (steel roof and windshield), partial (steel roof, front and rear windshield) and full cabs, mini levers integrated in the armrest with direction change or mechanical levers, blue LED warning lights as a visual reversing warning, reversing camera, load weight display, Clark VMS system, USB charging port for charging mobile devices, attachments and additional safety options.

“We are delighted to launch the Raider and Renegade crossover electric forklift ranges, which not only significantly increase efficiency, but also ensure environmentally friendly and sustainable material handling,” explains Thomas Bach, Director R&D at Clark Europe. “The Raider and Renegade crossover electric forklift trucks are the perfect solution for companies that want to remain competitive in an ever-changing logistics world.”

similar news

Electrified Forklifts with Crossover-Technology

 

Clark Announces new Sales Dealer for Spain

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Clark Europe has found another sales partner for Spain with Areca Manutención S.L.. The experienced industrial truck specialist based in San Fernando de Henares, Madrid, will take over the sales and service of Clark industrial trucks in the greater Madrid area. With this strategic step, Clark can not only further expand its presence in Europe, but also explicitly on the Spanish market.

The young company Areca Manutención was only founded in September 2024 by Alberto López Esteban, Jaime Real and Ester López. The three experienced managers can look back on more than 35 years of expertise in the industrial truck sector. They have gained their expertise in the sale, rental, maintenance and repair of industrial equipment and industrial trucks. At the company headquarters in San Fernando de Henares, there are offices, a workshop, the spare parts warehouse and a training room on a total area of 1450 m2. Areca Manutención has a total of ten employees – three of whom work in sales and service alone.

‘This strategic collaboration with Clark Europe represents a major step forward for Areca Manutención and underlines our mission to offer innovative and high-quality solutions in the material handling sector,’ explains Jaime Real, CEO at Areca Manutención. ‘For a young company like ours, it is an honour to be supported by a leading brand like Clark, known worldwide for its excellence and innovation for more than a century. This milestone not only confirms our track record, but also enables us to offer our customers comprehensive solutions that can be customised to suit any application and budget. Together, we are committed to driving the future of logistics and material handling in Spain.’

‘We are delighted to have found an experienced and highly motivated partner in the industrial truck business in Areca Manutención, who will competently represent our products and services in Spain. With a dedicated team and a broad network of contacts, Areca Manutención is well positioned to offer our customers the best possible support,’ explains Stefan Budweit, President and CEO at Clark Europe. ‘We wish the Areca Manutención team every success and look forward to working with them.’

Areca Manutención distributes the entire Clark product range of forklift trucks and warehouse trucks in its sales territory and also ensures the supply of Clark spare parts and accessories. A comprehensive range of services including rental and financing as well as a comprehensive service for new and used Clark industrial trucks rounds off the range of services. The collaboration is complemented by regular training and support from Clark Europe, so that Areca Manutención has all the necessary information and resources to offer customers first-class advice and support.

similar news

Clark Europe Introduces New Management

 

Electrified Forklifts with Crossover-Technology

Posted on by Keith McKinley

This is the motto under which industrial truck specialist Clark is presenting its new Crossover series for the first time at LogiMAT 2025 in Stuttgart in hall 10, stand 10B78. These are a perfect combination of the proven features of an IC engine-powered forklift truck and environmentally friendly electric drives – without compromising on performance. In addition to the new COP2 order picking truck, other highlights include the new STE/SE three- and four-wheel forklift trucks with load capacities of 1.6 to 2 tonnes, which complement the S-Series Electric with additional models.

The right crossover model for every application

From 11 to 13 March 2025, visitors to the trade fair will be able to take a look at the two new L25-35XE and S25-35XE crossover series with load capacities of 2.5 to 3.5 tonnes for the first time. The crossover electric forklift trucks are the next logical step for Clark in its endeavours to further electrify the counterbalance truck product range and significantly increase performance. To this end, Clark has combined the advantages of electric forklift trucks with the versatility and robustness of traditional IC engine-powered forklift trucks, setting new standards in material handling.

The Crossover series has proven itself especially in demanding environments and intensive applications. This proves that electric forklift trucks can also cope with intensive use and can therefore replace combustion engines. With their advanced lithium-ion battery technology, the Crossover electric forklift trucks achieve long operating times with short charging times. This significantly increases efficiency in warehouses and production facilities. Another special feature: Clark is launching the new Crossover series with a product name for the first time in a long time. For example, the L25-35XE is being marketed under the name ‘Raider’ and the S25-35XE under the name ‘Renegade’.

The Raider series (L25-35XE) opens the door to the crossover segment. It offers operators an environmentally friendly, solid and reliable alternative to forklift trucks with combustion engines. With excellent all-round visibility, predictable handling and proven Clark masts, the Raider range is cost effective and built to last.

The Renegade range (S25-35XE) is designed for operators who want the benefits of the Clark S-Series – Smart. Strong. Safe. – not want to do without. Built on the proven chassis of the S-Series IC engine-powered forklifts, the models, like the S-Series Electric, have extensive features and set new standards in terms of efficiency, safety and comfort. These powerful and very quiet electric forklift trucks combine modern technology with an emission-free, environmentally friendly and extremely effective drive. Like all S-Series Electric trucks, they are equipped with an impressive range of safety functions and customisable options, offering maximum flexibility for a wide variety of applications.

‘We are delighted to launch the Raider and Renegade crossover electric forklift truck ranges, which not only significantly increase efficiency, but also ensure environmentally friendly and sustainable material flow,’ explains Thomas Bach, R&D Director at Clark Europe. ‘The Raider and Renegade crossover electric forklift trucks are the perfect solution for companies that want to remain competitive in an ever-changing logistics world.’

STE/SE three- and four-wheel electric forklifts for the highest demands

Another highlight at the Clark stand will be the 48-volt electric three- and four-wheel forklifts from the STE16-20 and SE16-20 series with a load capacity of 1.6 to 2.0 tonnes. These are available with lead-acid or lithium-ion batteries and, like their 80-volt counterparts, are part of the S-Series Electric. Here, too, the operator has the option of changing the vehicle’s energy source without any major additional effort (plug & play) if the application requirements change. Only the software needs to be adapted accordingly. The vehicles can therefore be operated with both the classic lead-acid battery and the Clark lithium-ion battery. With this smart battery solution, the electric forklift trucks can be adapted to almost any application scenario.

With the new environmentally friendly Clark electric forklift truck series, which are designed for a wide range of applications, Clark fulfils the desire of many operators to make their intralogistics more sustainable and climate-neutral. With numerous ergonomic improvements and modern safety functions, they ensure maximum efficiency with a low total cost of ownership.

New order picker for the second shelf level

Clark is also presenting sustainable product innovations in the warehouse technology sector: For example, Clark is presenting a new order picker with Li-Ion technology. With a maximum lifting height of 6.30 metres, the COP2 is designed for order picking tasks on the second shelf level. The compact vertical order picker is equipped with a driver’s platform that can be raised to 4.80 m and self-supporting forks, so that the operator can pick directly onto the pallet with the platform raised. The COP2 has been designed to be extremely stable so that it remains stable even at maximum lifting height.

similar news

Clark Debuts ‘Smart, Strong and Safe’ IC Forklift

 

Change at the top of Clark Europe

Posted on by David Priestman

Clark Europe announces a change in management as of 1st January when, after ten years of service, Rolf Eiten, President & CEO, is handing over the baton to Stefan Budweit, COO & Director Sales & Marketing, in order to devote himself to other tasks within the company. Budweit has already held various management positions within the company for thirteen years and took over as COO (Chief Operating Officer) at Clark Europe just last year.

Rolf Eiten, who began his professional career at Clark in 1976, took over the management of Clark Europe (CMHEU) and Clark France (CMHFR) in 2014 following the death of Egon Strehl. Here he made a significant contribution to the development and growth of the company. “It has been an honour to be part of this great team and to drive Clark’s vision forward together with our employees and contract partners,” says Eiten. “I am proud of what we have achieved and wish Stefan Budweit every success in his new role.”

Eiten will continue to work in an advisory capacity for the management and the new Managing Director. He will also continue in his role as Regional Manager for Turkey and assume responsibility for CMHEU as an authorised signatory. In the longer term, he will devote himself to global tasks at Clark.

Budweit has more than 30 years of national and international experience in the field of material handling to continue the successful work of Rolf Eiten. Before joining Clark Europe in 2012, he worked as a key account manager for Toyota and Jungheinrich, among others. Budweit started his career at Clark Europe as Business Development Manager. Here he was responsible for the strategic direction and further development of Clark Europe. He then worked as Director Sales & Marketing until 2023 and has assumed additional responsibility as COO of Clark Europe since January 2024. “I am very much looking forward to the new challenge and to shaping the next steps for Clark Europe together with our dedicated team,” explains Budweit on taking office.

similar news

Clark Europe Introduces New Management

 

Clark Material Handling adds Dealer in Romania

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Clark Europe is pleased to announce the partnership with Mecano Valmar, the new authorized dealer for Clark industrial trucks in Romania. The cooperation between Clark and Mecano Valmar marks an important milestone in Clark’s expansion efforts in Eastern Europe and will strengthen the presence of the Clark brand in Romania.

Mecano Valmar was founded in 2003 by Marinela and Marian Mindru in Cornetu-Buda in Ilfov County. The company focused on servicing and reconditioning used forklift trucks. When their son Valentin joined the company in 2016, he expanded the business to include the sale and servicing of new vehicles imported from China. The office building, a workshop and the spare parts warehouse are located on an area of 3500 m2 on 1500 m2. A total of 17 employees work at the Cornetu-Buda site – 9 of them in service alone.

The family-owned company Mecano Valmar has extensive experience in material handling and logistics and will offer the entire Clark Europe product range in Romania in the future. In addition to the sale of all forklift truck classes and warehouse trucks, this also includes the supply of Clark spare parts and accessories, a comprehensive range of services including rental and financing as well as comprehensive service for new and used Clark industrial trucks.

Dealer in Romania

“The partnership with Clark Europe is a great opportunity for us to expand our product offering with high-quality industrial trucks, so that we can offer our customers in Romania first-class products and services in the field of material handling. We look forward to growing together with Clark,” explains Valentin Mindru, Managing Director at Mecano Valmar.

“We warmly welcome Mecano Valmar to the Clark family,” says Rolf Eiten, President & CEO at Clark Europe. “With their expertise and commitment to quality, we are confident that the Clark brand in Romania will be represented in the best possible way by Mecano Valmar in the future and that our customers there will receive excellent service. We wish our new partner every success in this endeavour and will provide the best possible support.”

similar news

Romania terminal reaches construction milestone

 

Subscribe

Get notified about New Episodes of our Podcast, New Magazine Issues and stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter.