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Company Profile

KION: The Name

The word “Kion” is taken from the language of the Massai. In the tongue of the East African warriors and nomads, “Kion (gozi) means “Take the leadership.”

This expresses a core principle of the KION Group: In many countries, as in all of Europe, KION the number one - the KION Group sets its strategy according to the values of leadership, innovation and performance in order to further develop its technological and market leadership.

KION North America places value on the traditional strengths of material handling, with more than 100 years of experience, to ensure that it continues to provide innovative logistics solutions for our customers in the future.

Under the joint umbrella of KION North America Corporation, the brand companies Linde and STILL, are to serve the specific requirements of the U.S., Canadian and Mexican markets with a comprehensive, customized and complementary product portfolio.

Headquartered in Summerville, South Carolina, KION North America’s production plant currently has an annual capacity of more than 10,000 trucks. Along with a nationwide sales and service network comprised of around 100 dealers, our dedicated team of professionals is focused on serving you.

Our products stand out not only for their innovative technologies, but especially for their low energy and operating costs.

Our History: From the Baker Motor-Vehicle Company to KION North America

1898 – Walter C. Baker establishes the Baker Motor-Vehicle Company for cars with electric motors in Cleveland, Ohio

1915 – The Baker Motor Company merges with the Rauch and Lang Carriage Company and trades under the name of Baker, Rauch & Lang

1930 – Baker R & L develops the first truck that can be operated by a driver while seated

1967 – After becoming part of the Otis Elevator Company, Baker acquires the Moto-Truc Company in Cleveland, a manufacturer of pallet trucks and very narrow aisle trucks

1977 – Baker and Moto-Truc become Baker Material Handling, part of Linde AG

1985 – Linde-Baker opens a production plant covering 225,000 square feet in Summerville, South Carolina

1999 – Baker Material Handling becomes Linde Lift Truck Corporation

2005 – Linde Lift Truck Corporation becomes Linde Material Handling North America

2006 – Linde AG’s material handling business is spun off as an independent company to form the KION Group

2015 – Linde Material Handling North America officially becomes KION North America