ZF Strengthens Cooperation in China

ZF plans to establish a joint venture with Chinese company Anhui Heli Co., Ltd. The enterprice, named ZF-HELI Drivetech (Hefei) Co., Ltd., will help ZF to promote its products related to fork-lift trucks in China, the most promising market for the auto industry. Moreover, the German company will also diversify its product line with solutions offered by the Chinese partner.

Anhui Heli has a proven record in the field of fork-lift trucks manufacturing not only in China, it is the 7-th largest enterprise in the fork-lift segment across the globe. The leading product of HELI is the h2000 series forklifts (80 different types and more than 400 models), the intellectual property for which is wholly owned by HELI. Currently, the company produces a series of forklifts with a carrying capacity from 1 to 16 tons. The product portfolio includes such modifications as: forklifts for handling containers, explosion-proof forklifts, rail forklift trucks, automatic self-propelled conveyors, etc. HELI has the largest technical center in China which includes 8 institutes and one testing facility. HELI is the leader in the automation of production in China. The testing facility has a test road for forklifts, which meets world standards. The machinery of this facility consists of 30 different test benches with numerous testing equipment units, which helps to ensure high reliability of HELI products.

ZF will deliver its fork-lift truck products (gearboxes and axles) from its another facility in China to the joint venture. HELI will also provide this type of products to a new company. ZF has the controlling interest in the joint undertaking. Therefore, ZF has means of exercising control over the development strategy of ZF-HELI Drivetech. Thanks to this bargain, ZF will comply with world’s requirements and attract potential customers, both in Asia and across the globe.