Milestones in 2014
- Inclusion in the MDAX: The index for medium-sized companies is the right place for the KION Group. Since inclusion in the MDAX in September 2014, KION shares have become even more attractive and visible to investors.
- North America: The change of name from Linde North America to KION North America and a new management structure represent major steps towards future growth in this region. One of the core elements of the Strategy 2020 is to significantly increase market share in North America, including in the United States - the world's second-largest national market.
- Emerging markets: The KION Group further strengthened its position in China, which is the biggest market for its products worldwide. New truck orders were up by 13 per cent, easily outperforming overall market growth. This was also achieved in eastern Europe, another key growth market, despite smouldering crises and political uncertainty.
- New factory: The ground-breaking ceremony for the new KION plant in the Czech Republic took place in November. Production is scheduled to start there in early 2016. In the medium term, this location should enable the KION Group to serve the eastern and southern European markets even more efficiently.
- Capital expenditu