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About Linde
At Linde Material Handling, innovation isn’t a buzzword; it’s the foundation of how we operate. For over 50 years, Linde has been a global pioneer in industrial trucks, fleet management, driver assistance systems and smart solutions. Today, we continue to lead the way, shaping the future of intralogistics with cutting-edge technologies and a bold vision for continuous improvement.
From our roots in early 20th-century engineering excellence, Linde has continually redefined material handling. From inventing the hydrostatic drive in the 1950s to developing intelligent automation solutions, innovation is deeply embedded in our DNA.
| Year | Innovation | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1955 | Hydrostatic Drive Development | Introduced a revolutionary drive system that delivers smoother control, higher efficiency, and durability — setting a new industry standard. |
| 1959 | First Forklift with Hydrostatic Transmission | Combined groundbreaking drive technology with industrial vehicle design, solidifying Linde’s reputation as a forklift innovator. |
| 1971 | Electrification begins | Linde introduced its first electric forklift truck. |
| 1970s–1980s | Ergonomic Design Leadership | Pioneered operator-focused cabin layouts, intuitive controls, and enhanced visibility — placing safety and comfort at the forefront. |
| 1990s | Fleet Management Systems | Early adoption of digital systems to track and optimise forklift fleets, improving uptime and reducing operating costs. |
| 2007 | Digital Fleet Management Platform (FleetFOCUS-Australia) | Provided real-time data insights, predictive maintenance, and usage optimisation — transforming logistics into smart logistics. |
| 2009 | Hydrogen Fuel Cell-Powered Forklifts | Developed sustainable alternatives to internal combustion with clean, high-performance energy solutions. |
| 2010s | Automation & Robotics Integration | Launched semi- and fully automated warehouse solutions, helping customers meet rising logistics demands. |
| 2014 | Linde Safety Pilot | Introduced intelligent driver assistance technology that helps prevent tipping and overloading — a milestone in forklift safety. |
This legacy of progress continues today. Supported by the global strength of KION Group, Linde continues to invest in technologies that move industries forward — safely, efficiently, and sustainably.
In today’s connected world, logistics must be fast, smart, and adaptable. Linde is at the forefront of digitally integrated, automated logistics. Our global engineering teams are developing forward-thinking solutions that connect people, machines and data. The result? Seamless material flow, increased operational uptime, and measurable value for every customer.
At Linde, we don’t just engineer for performance—we design for people. Every innovation is centred around the operator, because a confident, comfortable operator is a safer and more productive one.
From ergonomic cabins to intuitive displays and advanced driver assistance systems, we design with the end-user in mind. It’s this innovation and technology that empowers users and transforms day-to-day operations.
Our technological milestones have earned global recognition, with awards for product design, safety, ergonomics, and sustainability. Since 2012, we’ve worked to strengthen our sustainability strategy across the entire value chain. As a supplier, Linde has been regularly assessed by the independent ratings provider EcoVadis, and in 2023, we earned Platinum status—placing us in the top 1% of more than 125,000 companies evaluated globally.
These accolades reflect our ongoing commitment to smarter, safer and more sustainable solutions.
As the world looks for cleaner, more responsible solutions, Linde has embedded sustainability into every stage of our operations. From energy-efficient equipment and low-emission solutions to long-life components and end-of-life recycling strategies, Linde is working to reduce impact while supporting our customers’ environmental goals.
As part of the KION Group, Linde Material Handling Australia operates under a rigorous Compliance Management System. Integrity, transparency, and accountability are central to how we do business, ensuring every innovation we deliver is backed by ethical and responsible practices.
As industries evolve, material handling plays a more strategic role in achieving operational excellence. Businesses are looking for smarter ways to move goods, reduce costs, and maintain competitive advantage. And that starts with the right supply partner.
From early forklift drive technology to the rise of automation, electrification and digital fleet management, Linde is shaping the future of material handling with every product built.
At Linde, innovation doesn’t stop — it evolves.
Keep up to date with the latest in material handling reliability, safety and innovation by visiting our Content Hub and subscribing to our quarterly newsletter. And for the latest news and updates on all things Linde, follow us on LinkedIn.
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