While EBIT for the first half of the year remained at the previous year's level, EBT and earnings after taxes increased again. In the second quarter of 2019, however, the company sees market momentum continuing to weaken compared to the first quarter. This is due to the deteriorating macroeconomic conditions and the associated current decline in the market for industrial trucks.

In light of this development, the Executive Board has adjusted its forecast for the current financial year: Incoming orders are now expected to be between 3.80 and 4.05 billion euros instead of between 4.05 - 4.20 billion euros as previously assumed. Group sales are still expected to be within the previously forecast range of EUR 3.85 to 4.05 billion. According to current estimates, EBIT for 2019 will be between EUR 240 - 260 million.

Competence center for lithium-ion batteries founded

Jungheinrich intends to continue focusing on strategically important areas of activity and is investing in pioneering lithium-ion battery technology, for example. To this end, the company was the first intralogistics provider to establish a competence center for the production and remanufacturing of lithium-ion battery systems together with Triathlon Holding GmbH at the beginning of the year. Capacities are being massively expanded even before the start of operations. The former Solarworld plant in Freiberg near Dresden has now been taken over for this purpose.

"Strong start to the year"

Hans-Georg Frey, Chairman of the Board of Management of Jungheinrich AG, explained: "Overall, the first half of 2019 went well for Jungheinrich. However, after a strong start to the current financial year, we have recently noticed a significant decline in customer investment activity. The uncertainties arising from the ongoing trade conflicts are therefore also affecting our industry. We have therefore updated our forecast for 2019 at an early stage and anticipate a slightly lower trend in incoming orders and EBIT. With an order backlog of five months, we remain on track and are sticking to our sales target."