Graepel begins collaboration with Linde Material Handling

Graepel, one of the world's leading manufacturers of sheet metal products, has begun its collaboration with Linde Material Handling (MH) with the delivery of components for the Xi10 - Xi20 electric counterbalance forklifts. The project marks the start of a partnership between the family-owned company from Löningen in Lower Saxony and one of the world's leading manufacturers of industrial trucks. The decisive factors in Graepel's selection were the high level of development depth, efficient production and the seamless integration of all processes along the value chain.

Graepel begins collaboration with Linde Material Handling
First joint series project for Xi10 - Xi20 electric counterbalance forklifts

Löningen, 13 February 2026 – Graepel, one of the world's leading manufacturers of sheet metal products, has begun its collaboration with Linde Material Handling (MH) with the delivery of components for the Xi10 - Xi20 electric counterbalance forklifts. The project marks the start of a partnership between the family-owned company from Löningen in Lower Saxony and one of the world's leading manufacturers of industrial trucks. The decisive factors in choosing Graepel were the high level of development depth, efficient production and the seamless integration of all processes along the value chain.

Integrated solution from design to pre-assembled delivery
Graepel supplies central exterior components for the rear section of the current generation of Linde MH forklifts. From the outset, the focus was not solely on the manufacture of individual components, but on a holistic approach: Graepel is responsible for engineering, toolmaking, forming technology, coating and the pre-assembled delivery of the components – all precisely tailored to the processes at Linde MH. The Xi10 to Xi20 models from Linde MH stand for maximum performance in the 1 to 2 tonne load capacity range. With an integrated lithium-ion battery, high-performance 90-volt technology and compact vehicle design, they are among the most powerful electric counterbalance forklifts in their class. These forklifts form the backbone of intralogistics: in industry, logistics and production, the efficiency, reliability and cost-effectiveness of the vehicle determine the daily flow of materials.

Smart design significantly reduces tooling costs
Early on in the project, the design teams from both companies worked closely together to develop a comprehensive overall concept. Technical requirements, such as the precise definition of suspension points, were taken into account, as were manufacturing optimisations. These included, among other things, adjusted run-in radii to reduce shadow edges during deep drawing. At the same time, economic aspects were consistently incorporated into the component design.
A key example of the added value of the collaboration is the tailgate of the Linde Xi10 - Xi20 forklift trucks: Graepel manufactures a total of eight variants for this – four sizes and corresponding versions for vehicles with air conditioning. Only three press tools are required for this. Clever design has significantly reduced tooling costs without compromising on quality or function.
The tailgates are made of 3 mm thick, deep-drawn sheet steel, are cathodically dip-coated (KTL) and delivered ready for installation, including pre-mounted rubber couplings. The final textured paint is then applied at Linde MH. The result is a perfectly coordinated process chain with minimal logistical interfaces and high quality standards. In addition, Graepel supplies covers for the air conditioning lines at the rear of the cab for special models with air conditioning. Here, too, a well-thought-out tool concept ensures efficiency: four variants are produced with just one pressing tool.

Partnership on equal terms as a factor for success
‘The project exemplifies how important early, open communication between development, production and logistics is,’ explains Jannes Flint, Graepel Sales Manager for Industrial Trucks. "Short response times, direct coordination and a partnership-based understanding on equal terms have enabled a rapid transition to series production. The components supplied are not only functionally impressive, but also arrive at the customer's premises in an assembly-optimised form. This is a solid foundation for further cooperation."