The KION Group, Summerville, S.C., announced plans to enter into an exclusive global strategic partnership with Chinese manufacturer EP Equipment.

The cooperation will extend KION's product offering for entry-level, light-duty warehouse equipment in China and worldwide. The partnership will also focus on joint product development and supply chain synergies.

"We are delighted to enter into this strategic partnership with EP Equipment. It will allow us to extend our product offering to a much wider range of customers," says Gordon Riske, chief executive officer of KION Group. "The cooperation will further strengthen our position in the booming warehouse equipment market."

"EP Equipment has been growing steadily in China and globally, especially in the entry-level warehouse segment, driven by its strong customer focus and its innovative and competitive product range," says Quek Ching Pong, member of the KION Group executive board and chief Asia Pacific officer. "By entering into this partnership with EP Equipment, KION will further strengthen its position as a leading provider of electric-powered material handling equipment."

"This is a historic moment for EP Equipment," adds He Jinhui, chairman of EP Equipment. "I am looking forward to our new partnership with the KION Group, which will allow us to leverage each other's strengths and capitalize on market opportunities in China and around the world."

Jinhui founded EP Equipment in 1999. The company employs more than 1,000 people worldwide, and is particularly prominent in the Chinese and U.S. markets.