Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science and Technology Co Ltd Expands European Footprint with First Locally‑Manufactured Knuckle Boom Crane

Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science and Technology Co Ltd, a leading Chinese construction‑machinery manufacturer listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, has announced the successful delivery of its first knuckle boom crane built in Germany. The ZLK7600V803 model, produced by Zoomlion’s Wilbert subsidiary, was delivered to a Slovak client on September 12, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the company’s strategy to localise production and strengthen its presence across Europe.

A New Chapter in the Wilbert–Zoomlion Partnership

Wilbert was acquired by Zoomlion in 2018 and has since evolved from a single‑product plant into a comprehensive manufacturing hub. The new crane integrates Zoomlion’s proven technology with a locally sourced Scania chassis, ensuring compliance with CE certification and European road‑transport regulations. Its design is tailored to the demanding operating conditions of European sites, offering strong lifting performance, high reliability, and cost efficiency.

“This delivery represents the culmination of three decades of commercial cooperation between Slovakia and China,” the Slovak client said, underscoring the long‑standing partnership that has been nurtured by mutual investment and shared expertise. For Zoomlion, the event is both a practical expansion of its crane fleet and a symbolic affirmation of its long‑term commitment to European markets.

Strengthening the European Localization Strategy

Zoomlion’s move to manufacture cranes in Germany is part of a broader localisation strategy that seeks to reduce dependence on overseas supply chains and to better meet the regulatory and operational needs of European customers. By building cranes on a Scania chassis that already satisfies European safety and emissions standards, Zoomlion can offer a product that is more attractive to buyers who demand local production and easier after‑sales support.

The company’s European footprint has grown steadily in recent years. In the first quarter of 2025, Zoomlion’s European sales increased by 8.5 % YoY, driven largely by the launch of new models and expanded dealer networks. The company’s management has indicated that the Wilbert plant will soon add additional crane lines, including a high‑reach model designed for urban construction projects that are becoming increasingly common across the continent.

Market Context and Financial Snapshot

Zoomlion’s market capitalization stands at approximately 52 billion CNY, reflecting its status as a major player in the global construction‑machinery sector. The company’s share price closed at 7.35 CNY on September 10, 2025, within a 52‑week range of 8.60 to 5.72 CNY. With a price‑to‑earnings ratio of 16.69, the stock remains moderately valued relative to its peers.

The company’s recent earnings report showed a 12.8 % year‑on‑year growth in excavator sales, with domestic sales rising 14.8 % and exports increasing 11.1 %. This growth trajectory is supported by a robust pipeline of projects in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, where large‑scale infrastructure initiatives are driving demand for heavy equipment. Analysts project that the European market will contribute an increasing share of Zoomlion’s revenue as local production capabilities mature.

Looking Ahead

Zoomlion’s first Germany‑made knuckle boom crane is a tangible signal of the company’s ambition to become a truly global manufacturer. The move not only enhances its competitiveness in Europe but also provides a platform for future innovations in crane technology, such as electric and hybrid powertrains, which are expected to become a priority as the industry moves toward decarbonisation.

Industry analysts anticipate that Zoomlion’s localized production model will inspire other Chinese machinery firms to follow suit, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape across the continent. For Zoomlion, the delivery to Slovakia is a clear demonstration that its strategy is gaining traction and that its European ambitions are moving from concept to reality.