Kion in Dealer Shakeup

In recent months, Kion North America Corporation has made several changes to its nationwide sales and service dealer network for material handling equipment.

To improve their sales and service presence in the north central region, Kion North America appointed Lift Parts Service in July. Located in Wichita, Kansas, Lift Parts Service was founded in 1962 and continues to be family owned and operated. Now in their third generation of ownership, they are the oldest lift truck company in the state and will serve customers in 79 counties.

“Kion North America’s plans for the future aligned with many of the same goals we have set for our company,” said Kyle Free, chief operating officer of Lift Parts Service. “By partnering with one of the world’s leading lift truck manufacturers, their product lines will open opportunities in markets that we were not able to compete in previously.”

Existing Kion North America distributor, HOJ Engineering & Sales, recently relocated their corporate headquarters to Salt Lake City. In August, their territory was realigned. They will provide sales and service support to customers throughout Utah and select counties in southwest Wyoming.

In September, Kion North America also appointed Sierra Industrial Equipment as an authorized dealer to serve the eastern half of Nevada—an area previously not covered by their distribution network. They are the largest independent forklift service provider in the Las Vegas Valley.

The Linde 1313 internal combustion counterbalanced cushion tire truck.

In addition to growing and improving their dealer network, Kion North America will introduce three new forklift models and two new technologies before year end. These additions complete their goal of the largest new product release in company and material handling industry in a single year, which they began with the introduction of five new volume and economy segment forklifts at ProMat in Chicago earlier this year.

“Providing high-quality products is just one piece of the puzzle,” said Vincent Halma, president and CEO of Kion North America. “Another piece is building relationships with qualified distributors throughout the country like those we have partnered with over the last few months.”