KION Group establishes Digital Hub in Barcelona's DFactory

The German multinational KION Group has chosen DFactory Barcelona to establish its new Digital Hub for intralogistics innovation. This hub, part of the KION Group's Industrial Trucks & Services division (KION ITS), aims to develop digital products for the group's brands.

The new Digital Hub at DFactory Barcelona is KION Group's first center outside Germany. The hub's professional team will drive innovation in digital technologies, enhancing the performance, efficiency, safety, and sustainability of intralogistics through new capabilities in sensing, connectivity, and artificial intelligence. Key projects include the development of a new vehicle fleet management platform for intralogistics, set to launch in March 2025. The hub will also serve as an incubation engine for technological innovation projects focused on customers across Spain.

“Barcelona's rich ecosystem of technology, research, innovation, and training has been a key factor in KION Group's investment in Catalonia”

Blanca Sorigué, Managing Director of CZFB

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The establishment of the Digital Hub was marked by a visit from key leaders of KION Group, including Andreas Krinninger, President of KION ITS EMEA, Paulina Juárez, Senior Vice President in Spain and Portugal, and Víctor García, Director of the Digital Hub. They were welcomed by Pere Navarro, Special Delegate of the State of Consortium of the Zona Franca Barcelona (CZFB), and Blanca Sorigué, Managing Director of CZFB. The company selected DFactory Barcelona over other international locations due to its prime location and open, flexible space designed to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among technology companies.

During the welcoming ceremony, Pere Navarro emphasized the significance of KION Group's investment: "The incorporation of a multinational like KION Group in DFactory Barcelona demonstrates the uniqueness and importance of the ecosystem itself, which has excellent connections and a great capacity to generate opportunities and attract specialized tech talent."

Blanca Sorigué added, "DFactory's commitment as a world benchmark in Industry 4.0, combined with Barcelona's rich ecosystem of technology, research, innovation, and training, has been a key factor in KION Group's investment in Catalonia."

Víctor García highlighted the advantages of the location: "DFactory Barcelona provides a privileged location for the launch and expansion of our initiative. It is an open, flexible space designed to promote collaboration and knowledge sharing, placing us in an ecosystem of technology companies with which we share many interests and with which we hope to establish collaborations."

DFactory Barcelona: A Global Industry 4.0 Ecosystem

DFactory Barcelona has established itself as an international reference in Industry 4.0, hosting 35 multinational companies, SMEs, and research centers that develop pioneering projects in robotics, sensors, 3D printing, cybersecurity, augmented and virtual reality, artificial intelligence, Blockchain, and nanotechnology. The facility, which is 85% occupied, promotes open and collaborative innovation and holds prestigious certifications like Leed Gold and WELL Gold for its high energy performance and impact on occupant health and well-being.

About KION Group

KION Group is a leading German multinational manufacturer of products and services for material flow management in intralogistics. The company develops cutting-edge solutions to optimize supply chains, including forklifts, automated warehouses, and advanced software systems. Its products and services are marketed through a portfolio of well-known brands, including Linde Material Handling, STILL, Baoli, and Dematic.

Source: DFactory Barcelona