Clark Europe opens new Duisburg branch to strengthen direct customer links

Clark Europe has stepped up its push into direct sales with the opening of a new branch in Duisburg, signalling a strategic shift towards closer customer relationships in one of Europe’s key industrial regions.

The forklift manufacturer officially opened its West branch on 24 April, positioning the site in the Asterlagen business park directly opposite its European headquarters to strengthen its presence in the Ruhr area.

The move marks a growing focus on direct engagement with customers alongside its established dealer network, as the company looks to better capture market potential in the densely industrialised region.

Stefan Budweit, President and CEO of Clark Europe, described the expansion as “a clear commitment to our location in Duisburg” and “an essential step for our growth strategy in Europe”.

He said the direct sales model would create “an exclusive interface to advise customers directly from the factory with our entire know-how” while helping to build long-term partnerships.

The new site spans 3,441 square metres, including space for workshops, storage and product demonstrations, as well as offices and meeting facilities. At its core is an integrated research and development centre, designed to accelerate innovation through its proximity to the company’s headquarters and spare parts hub.

Regional manager and Western Branch manager Dirk Blanke said customers would benefit from closer collaboration and faster response times.

“Our customers benefit from exclusive advice directly from the manufacturer,” he said, adding that the aim is to “better understand market requirements” and respond more effectively through tailored solutions.

The branch will offer a full range of services, including new equipment sales, rental options and refurbished used machines, allowing businesses to choose solutions that suit their operational and financial needs.

Mr Blanke highlighted the importance of flexibility, noting that “investing in new equipment is not the most economical solution for every business”, particularly for smaller firms or those with lower usage requirements.

Used machines are inspected and restored using original parts to meet high standards, with the company claiming the difference from new equipment is minimal to non-specialist users.

Clark is also planning to expand its local team, with additional consultants and service technicians expected to be recruited to strengthen coverage across the Ruhr region.

The launch event offered visitors access to the new branch, as well as Clark’s European headquarters, spare parts centre and training facilities. Guests were also shown the company’s latest forklift models and developments in electric drive systems and battery technology.

Among the highlights were new electric and hybrid models designed to combine performance with reduced environmental impact, alongside the firm’s latest battery innovation aimed at supporting the future of industrial electrification.

With direct links to parts supply and integrated delivery processes, the new branch is intended to improve efficiency and service quality, reinforcing Clark’s position in a competitive European market.

The company, which traces its origins back to the invention of the forklift truck in 1917, continues to expand its global footprint, with operations spanning Europe, the Middle East and Africa through an extensive dealer network.

Clark Europe opens new Duisburg branch to strengthen direct customer links

Clark Europe has stepped up its push into direct sales with the opening of a new branch in Duisburg, signalling a strategic shift towards closer customer relationships in one of Europe’s key industrial regions.

The forklift manufacturer officially opened its West branch on 24 April, positioning the site in the Asterlagen business park directly opposite its European headquarters to strengthen its presence in the Ruhr area.

The move marks a growing focus on direct engagement with customers alongside its established dealer network, as the company looks to better capture market potential in the densely industrialised region.

Stefan Budweit, President and CEO of Clark Europe, described the expansion as “a clear commitment to our location in Duisburg” and “an essential step for our growth strategy in Europe”.

He said the direct sales model would create “an exclusive interface to advise customers directly from the factory with our entire know-how” while helping to build long-term partnerships.

The new site spans 3,441 square metres, including space for workshops, storage and product demonstrations, as well as offices and meeting facilities. At its core is an integrated research and development centre, designed to accelerate innovation through its proximity to the company’s headquarters and spare parts hub.

Regional manager and Western Branch manager Dirk Blanke said customers would benefit from closer collaboration and faster response times.

“Our customers benefit from exclusive advice directly from the manufacturer,” he said, adding that the aim is to “better understand market requirements” and respond more effectively through tailored solutions.

The branch will offer a full range of services, including new equipment sales, rental options and refurbished used machines, allowing businesses to choose solutions that suit their operational and financial needs.

Mr Blanke highlighted the importance of flexibility, noting that “investing in new equipment is not the most economical solution for every business”, particularly for smaller firms or those with lower usage requirements.

Used machines are inspected and restored using original parts to meet high standards, with the company claiming the difference from new equipment is minimal to non-specialist users.

Clark is also planning to expand its local team, with additional consultants and service technicians expected to be recruited to strengthen coverage across the Ruhr region.

The launch event offered visitors access to the new branch, as well as Clark’s European headquarters, spare parts centre and training facilities. Guests were also shown the company’s latest forklift models and developments in electric drive systems and battery technology.

Among the highlights were new electric and hybrid models designed to combine performance with reduced environmental impact, alongside the firm’s latest battery innovation aimed at supporting the future of industrial electrification.

With direct links to parts supply and integrated delivery processes, the new branch is intended to improve efficiency and service quality, reinforcing Clark’s position in a competitive European market.

The company, which traces its origins back to the invention of the forklift truck in 1917, continues to expand its global footprint, with operations spanning Europe, the Middle East and Africa through an extensive dealer network.

The way Clark has made is the history of forklift

Clark who started its business as automobile parts manufacturer in 1903 invented the world’s first forklift in 1917, which brought innovative change to the concept of distribution.  Clark set a standard of modern forklift in 1920s and has been at the forefront of every major echnological advancement in the world’s forklift industry for over 80 years.  Clark  opened its various patent to the industry, which has been freely adopted by every forklift manufacturer as an industry’s standard technology.

Over one million Clark forklift have been produced, among which 700,000 are still in operation around the world. 

Clark is the forklift.