2025 was a period of sustained growth for Kalmar amid geopolitical instability and trade tensions. The company demonstrated its ability to quickly adapt to new conditions, expanding its order book and improving profitability while strengthening its focus on a service-based business model and sustainable innovation. In the fourth quarter, order intake reached a record €511 million (+5%), while the backlog increased to €977 million. Sales increased 11% to €487 million, with comparable operating profit reaching €60.5 million, a margin of 12.4%. By the end of the year, net debt was reduced to €5 million, and the leverage ratio to 0.0, significantly below the company’s long-term target.
Despite ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty, demand for Kalmar products and services remained stable. Orders increased in the Americas, decreased in EMEA, and remained flat in Asia Pacific. The service segment demonstrated particularly positive growth across all regions, driven by a global installed base of 70,000 units. Through its Driving Excellence initiative, the company achieved approximately €34 million in annual efficiency gains by the end of the year. The share of sales from the eco portfolio increased to 43% in the fourth quarter, reflecting growing demand for low- and zero-carbon solutions.
In 2025, Kalmar also stepped up investments in innovation and partnerships, including the launch of a new line of DC charging solutions in partnership with Kempower and SINEXCEL, and the introduction of a new generation of lithium-ion batteries for electric straddle carriers. The company, which operates in more than 120 countries and employs approximately 5,300 people, forecasts an operating margin above 12.5% in 2026 and intends to continue developing automation, electrification, and service offerings, ensuring long-term sustainable growth.