Chinas Hangcha Expands European Reach Via CAPM Partnership

The collaboration between CAPM Europe and Hangcha Forklift transcends conventional business ties, representing a meeting of minds that has redefined success in the European material handling sector.

Since its establishment in 1998, French firm CAPM Europe has carved a distinctive niche in Europe's logistics and forklift sector. As a multigenerational family enterprise, the company has mastered the delicate balance between maintaining operational stability and embracing technological innovation—a dual approach that has become its hallmark in an increasingly competitive market.

"At Hangcha, we discovered shared values that go beyond commercial interests," explains Alexander Tort, Chief Financial Officer of CAPM Europe. This philosophical alignment has transformed what might have been a standard supplier relationship into a strategic alliance with global ambitions, creating what industry observers describe as "a perfect resonance between complementary partners."

The partnership, formalized in 2006, combines Hangcha's manufacturing prowess as China's forklift industry leader with CAPM Europe's deep understanding of French market dynamics. This "technology meets localization" model has proven remarkably effective, with CAPM Europe successfully introducing Hangcha's comprehensive material handling solutions—ranging from conventional forklifts to advanced warehouse equipment—to exacting European customers.

The collaboration addresses critical market needs through complementary strengths: Hangcha provides cutting-edge, environmentally compliant equipment, while CAPM Europe delivers localized sales networks, technical support, and maintenance services that meet European standards for responsiveness and reliability.

Recognizing fundamental shifts in logistics, the partners have jointly developed intelligent solutions including automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and robotic forklifts. CAPM Europe maintains an inventory exceeding 1,500 units—a strategic reserve that enables rapid response to market demands while demonstrating confidence in the partnership's long-term viability.

This forward-looking approach has positioned both companies at the forefront of industry trends, particularly in automation and emissions reduction—areas where European regulations continue to drive market transformation.

The relationship has evolved from conventional vendor-client dynamics into a comprehensive partnership encompassing joint R&D, market development, and brand strategy. For CAPM Europe, the collaboration provides technological depth and manufacturing scale; for Hangcha, it offers market access and localized expertise in one of the world's most demanding regions.

As the logistics sector continues its global transformation, this partnership serves as a compelling case study in how mid-sized enterprises can leverage complementary strengths to compete effectively against larger rivals—proving that shared values and strategic alignment can create advantages beyond mere scale or financial resources.