In order to be able to fulfil the demand of the markets, the capacity of the modern factory in Changwon/ Korea will be increased. In 2004, output will be roughly 8,000 forklifts and in 2006, Changwon will produce 12,000 machines. Moreover, the beginning of 2005 will see the start of production of a new Clark factory in China which will, in the first step, manufacture about 2,000 forklifts per year. Furthermore, Clark has purchased a new, 150,000 square foot facility for production in the United States (Lexington, Kentucky). Here, the first forklifts will be produced in spring 2005.

The main goal of Clark Europe is, at first hand, setting up a dealer network throughout Europe, giving support to the dealers and providing the market with spare parts as well as holding a stock of trucks for immediate delivery. Managing director Egon Strehl: „We will support our distributors in Great Britain, France and Spain. In the other European markets, we are relying on competent dealers with a strong position in their regions, and we will co-operate with them intensely to fulfil the customers´demands in the best possible way. In the moment, we are extending our dealer network mainly in the countries of Western Europe.“

The new location is prepared for growth. Spare parts can be stored here, and fork-lifts are adapted individually to the specifications of the customers. From Duisburg, Clark can offer a comprehensive forklift program. The battery-driven trucks in energy-saving AC technology cover a lifting capacity range form 1.6 to 3.5 tons, ICE forklifts are available with lifting capacities from 1.5 to 7.5 tons.

The program features extremely compact forklifts with cushion tires, which are able to work in very confined spaces and narrow aisles, and the ICE forklift series „GEN 2“ with innovative ergonomic features.

For the next two year, Clark aims at reaching ambitious targets. Egon Strehl: „The European forklift market will grow in moderate terms only, and we plan to grow in a more rapid way. So we will gain or re-gain market shares. We are very confident that we will be capable of reaching these goals because our forklift program features high quality, high productivity and a very attractive relation of cost and value. And we can rely on the outstanding reputation of Clark forklifts.“ Within a four or five years´ horizon, Clark plans to set up an own assembly or manufacturing plant in Europe.