While many companies are still investing today based on yesterday's conditions, fundamental factors are shifting in the background that could significantly impact the cost of material handling equipment in the coming years. From fluctuating energy prices to strategic shifts in the battery sector: the market for logistics equipment is once again in flux.
For companies that think ahead, it pays to closely monitor three important developments.
1. Energy: the invisible price driver
Forklift production is an energy-intensive process. From steel production for masts and chassis to painting and battery assembly, every step in the production process consumes significant amounts of energy.
The industrial sector often operates with a lag effect. Rising energy and raw material costs are usually only reflected in new list prices several months later. Companies waiting for new factory orders can therefore be confronted with price levels based on tomorrow's costs.
2. The Lithium Revolution: Why a Manufacturer's Choice of Partner Matters
Electric forklifts with lithium-ion technology have quickly become the new standard in internal transport.
The benefits are clear:
- Maximum availability – fast interim charging without loss of capacity
- Maintenance-free operation – no water refills or battery maintenance
- Efficiency – lower operating costs over the life of the machine
At the same time, the global battery cell market is dominated by a limited number of manufacturers, with CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited) as the largest player.
Forward-thinking forklift manufacturers are strategically responding to this. For example, the collaboration between HELI and CATL ensures that battery technology and forklift design are closely aligned. In a market where battery technology is increasingly determining performance and cost, such partnerships are of great strategic value.
3. Inventory becomes strategically more important
The combination of volatile transportation costs, geopolitical tensions and rising production costs is creating an interesting dynamic in the market.
Machines that are already available in Europe today can sometimes be significantly more competitively priced than new production orders.
Companies that opt for available machines not only avoid longer delivery times, but also partially protect themselves against possible price adjustments for new production batches.
Strategic forward thinking for your logistics fleet
European regulations regarding safety, energy efficiency, and battery technology are becoming increasingly stringent. While this evolution increases the quality and durability of machines, it also entails additional development costs.
The combination of energy prices, battery technology and regulations means that internal transport equipment is likely to become more expensive in the coming years.
At Immer-Goed, we're closely monitoring these developments. By working directly with manufacturers and strategically building stocks of reliable lithium technology, we help our customers modernize their logistics fleets in a timely manner and at competitive rates.
Those who plan ahead invest not only in machines — but also in security.