Outlook 2024: Strong growth for lift truck manufacturing in APAC

Integrated full-line lift truck manufacturer, Hyster-Yale Group, Inc continues to expand into Asia, offering its expertise in design, engineering, and other services to a wider market. Most recently it partnered with Prestar Marketing, a warehouse solution provider based in Selangor, Malaysia, to bring its products and services closer to local customers. In this interview, Ben Newey, Vice President, Sales and Marketing (API), Hyster-Yale Group, shares his insights for the food industry.

Ben Newey, Vice President, Sales and Marketing (API), Hyster-Yale Group

Please give us a bird’s eye view of lift truck design and manufacturing, as well as the logistics and warehousing industry, in Asia Pacific. How big is the F&B industry market for Hyster-Yale Group? 

The lift truck design and manufacturing landscape in the APAC region is experiencing dynamic growth, driven by the demand for efficient logistics and warehousing solutions. Companies in this region are incorporating innovative technologies, with a notable trend toward electrification for enhanced sustainability. In logistics and warehousing, the industry is witnessing a surge in demand for versatile and environmentally friendly solutions. Globally, Hyster-Yale Group holds a notable presence in the F&B industry, with almost 25% of our entire business coming from this sector.

How is Hyster-Yale Group adapting to the needs of Asia-based F&B manufacturers? What challenges are manufacturers facing and what do they seek or require from Hyster-Yale?  

Manufacturers find it challenging to achieve ESG goals and comply with regional emission standards. These difficulties have continued to drive the trend toward lower emissions and electrification. Hyster-Yale Group is actively adapting to the needs of F&B manufacturers in APAC by prioritising electrification for sustainability and efficiency.

By the end of the first quarter of 2024, we would have on offer one of the largest ranges of electric forklifts in the industry, empowering us to address any customer requirement within the F&B industry.  Unlike traditional forklifts, which run the risk of lead acid spillage or emissions, the use of lithium-ion electric forklifts mitigate such risks. This also allows F&B manufacturers to align to stringent hygiene standards where food handling is concerned.

Additionally, we offer standard safety features now that deliver improved driver and environment safety, such as automatic park braking, slowdown cornering, and mast-controlled tilt levelling.

Are there other solutions available to F&B companies? 

We also offer solutions to address other common challenges faced by F&B manufacturers in APAC, such as improving efficiency and optimising charging uptime with lithium batteries. Our Hyster Tracker and Yale Vision telemetry data systems provide real-time monitoring of truck and operator performance, contributing to enhanced efficiency. In addition, companies can also choose to incorporate our Artificial Intelligence Vision Assist (AiVA) system that is designed to increase operator situational awareness by automatically detecting and advising when pedestrians approach forklifts, access equipment, or other heavy machinery in operation.

Hyster appointed a new dealer — Prestar Marketing warehouse solution provider in Malaysia. What are some of Hyster-Yale Group's plans for its business in Southeast Asia? 

We are certainly looking to grow our footprint in Southeast Asia. To better support customers, we recently made the strategic move to relocate our parts distribution centre to Malaysia to reduce lead time, to improve cost-effectiveness, and to increase customer satisfaction by minimising down time within the region.

What should manufacturers know about Hyster-Yale Group, especially as it expands into Asia Pacific? 

As Hyster-Yale Group continues its expansion plans in the region, we reiterate our commitment to manufacturers across APAC. We are dedicated not only to building top-quality lift trucks but also to creating comprehensive solutions that enhance overall business efficiency. With over 100 years of expertise, we continue to work at product development proactively, informed by its wide global presence. The company commits substantial resources in R&D so that our lift trucks remain among the most innovative in the industry, providing customers with reliable and effective solutions.