One year ago, AntOn by Jungheinrich became part of the Jungheinrich portfolio, adding a vibrant purple brand alongside the company's familiar yellow products.
The year of AntOn by Jungheinrich: “With AntOn, we’re reaching customers we haven’t been able to target before.”
With the launch of our “AntOn by Jungheinrich” brand, we at Jungheinrich have opened a new chapter. What has happened since then? Torsten Gerhardt, Vice President Global Portfolio, shares his insights.
AntOn by Jungheinrich is now one year old. What have been the highlights of the past twelve months?
Torsten Gerhardt: For me, the biggest highlight is how quickly AntOn has gained momentum worldwide. Numerous country units have supported the brand’s launch with great commitment, from local market activation events and press conferences to technical training sessions and dealer days. This has enabled us to get off to a strong start and secure several significant orders.
We also opened the Global Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Centre near Shanghai at the start of the year. This centre brings together expertise in portfolio development, procurement, conformity testing, warranty handling and quality assurance. Being closer to our partners allows us to benefit from market opportunities and innovations more quickly while supporting the ongoing expansion of the AntOn portfolio.
With AntOn by Jungheinrich, we want to target new customer groups in the entry-level segment. Is this strategy working?
Yes, absolutely. We are now reaching customers we could not reach before, or only to a limited extent. High product availability and cost-effectiveness are major factors. We are also seeing customers combine the strengths of both brands, choosing both yellow Jungheinrich products and purple AntOn solutions, demonstrating how well the two portfolios complement one another.
Has AntOn competed with Jungheinrich’s premium portfolio?
While there are occasional situations where a customer chooses an AntOn truck instead of a Jungheinrich premium truck, the overall picture is positive. AntOn enables us to win business that would otherwise have gone to competitors. By offering a broader range of solutions, we can better meet varying customer requirements and strengthen our overall market position.
Can you provide an example of the successful combination of yellow and purple products?
Recently, a German retailer selected Jungheinrich because we could provide cost-effective industrial trucks for less demanding applications through AntOn, while also supplying high-performance Jungheinrich solutions for more demanding operations. The ability to offer both from a single source was the deciding factor.
How are sales performing?
AntOn sales are now making a significant contribution to order intake. Performance has been particularly strong in Class 3 products, including pallet trucks and pallet stackers. While there is still growth potential in counterbalance forklifts, we are making progress and continuing to strengthen our position in the market.
How has the portfolio developed since launch?
Since its launch in September 2025, the AntOn portfolio has expanded to include:
The goal is to almost double the portfolio by mid-2027. This demonstrates AntOn’s strategic importance within Jungheinrich’s future growth plans. An OEM-independent approach allows us to select the best solutions from multiple manufacturers for different applications and markets.
What’s next for AntOn by Jungheinrich?
The first year has proven that AntOn works. The focus is now on the next phase of growth through continued portfolio expansion, the introduction of additional truck types, growth of the dealer and partner network, increased brand awareness and a stronger market presence worldwide.