Carer

What Carer does

Carer Srl is an Italian manufacturer founded in 1976 and headquartered in Cotignola (Ravenna) that designs and builds counterbalanced electric forklifts with lifting capacities ranging from 1.5 to 20 tons — among the widest ranges in the segment. Its product portfolio is organized into eight core series (N, R, B, Z, A/AX, K, F, RH2) plus the SPED special machines department, which delivers customized solutions for nuclear, military, aerospace, and clean-room environments. The underlying technology stack centers on advanced AC drive motors, dual microprocessor-controlled electronics, regenerative braking, and a high-capacity 144V battery system designed for fast swap and up to 8-hour shifts; the company describes itself as a 50-year pioneer in applying electronic principles to forklift design. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed, reflecting a configure-to-order hardware model.

Carer monetizes primarily through direct sales of capital equipment to enterprise industrial customers, supplemented by custom SPED builds and supported by a global network of exclusive dealers and distributors (Komatsu Forklift Australia, HKS Fördertechnik AG, ProTruck Norge, Carer Lifting Solutions, GS Stapler). Since January 2013 the company has been family-led by the Spreafico family and owned within the Unicar Group (also the Italian dealer for Yale and Hyster), giving it multi-brand distribution synergies and access to capital. Carer serves industrial manufacturing, automotive, aerospace (NASA, Italian Air Force, KLM), steel, paper, wood, tire manufacturing, food packaging, and logistics customers across 100+ countries. Recent strategic activity — including Australia market entry via Komatsu (2026), a Switzerland/Liechtenstein distribution deal with HKS (2025), and product launches such as the A 160-200 X "game-changer" (2020), the ultra-compact SC line (2023), the B Series (2024), and the B 2026 / Narrow by Design series — signals continued geographic and product-surface expansion built around decarbonization-driven demand for heavy-duty electric material handling.

Name

Carer

Legal name

Carer Srl

Website

https://carerforklift.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1976

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Carer is an Italian manufacturer of counterbalanced electric forklifts (1.5–20 ton capacity) serving automotive, aerospace, steel, paper, wood, and logistics customers across 100+ countries through a global dealer network; part of Unicar Group since 2013.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Electric Forklifts

NAICS

Industrial Truck, Tractor, Trailer, and Stacker Machinery Manufacturing (333924)

SIC

Industrial Trucks, Tractors, Trailors & Stackers (3537)

akta.pro primary industry

Forklifts & Industrial Trucks (IC & Electric) (IMAHABAA)

Keywords

• Electric forklifts
• Counterbalanced forklifts
• Material handling equipment
• Heavy-duty electric trucks
• Industrial forklift manufacturing

Headquarters

HQ city

Cotignola

HQ country

Italy

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Electric Forklift Sales: Sale of electric counterbalanced forklifts ranging from compact models to heavy-duty machines with capacities up to 20,000 kg. Includes standard series (A, B, F, K, N, R, Z) and special/custom machines.
2. Custom/Special Machine Solutions: Design and construction of custom special machines through the SPED department, addressing specific customer handling requirements with tailored solutions.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Carer designs, manufactures, and sells counterbalanced electric forklifts with lifting capacities from 1.5 to 20 tons. The company produces multiple product series (N, R, B, Z, A/AX, K, F, RH2) for indoor and outdoor material handling, container operations, and heavy industrial use. Through its dedicated SPED department, Carer also builds customized special machines for applications such as nuclear, military, and clean-room environments.

Product overview

Carer is a global company specializing in the construction of counterbalanced electric forklifts with lifting capacities up to 20,000 kg. The product portfolio includes multiple series (N, R, B, Z, A/AX, K, F, RH2) designed for various applications including standard material handling, container operations, outdoor heavy-duty work, and indoor compact spaces. The company operates a dedicated SPED (special machines) department for customized solutions. Key differentiators include zero emissions, reduced noise, energy efficiency through regenerative braking, and competitive performance against internal combustion engines. Recent product lines include the game-changing A 160-200 X series, ultra-compact SC line for standard warehouse applications, and the new B series for heavy-duty indoor/outdoor operations. The company also provides a customer portal (mycarer) for support and ticket management.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Serie N Counterbalanced electric forklift series with compact design and high performance capabilities, positioned uniquely in the market for tight-space handling.
• Serie R Polyvalent electric forklift series suitable for both outdoor and indoor applications, offering versatility across different operational environments.
• Serie B Electric forklift series with low driving position, comfort and performance, ideal for outdoor and indoor operations, with B 60-90 H and B 60-100 HD variants covering capacity up to 12 tons.
• Serie Z Short and compact electric forklift series with high driving position for handling bulky loads, designed for tight spaces.
• Serie A / AX Heavy-duty electric forklift series designed as the ideal solution for transitioning from internal combustion to electric motors, including A 160/600 X, A 160/1200 X, A 200/1200 X models with capacities from 16 to 20 tons.
• Serie K Electric forklift series for handling goods inside containers, with capacities from 4.5 to 12 tons designed to work entirely inside containers.
• A 160-200 X Game-changing electric forklift designed as the ultimate expression of technological research, functioning as an eco-friendly, noiseless alternative to traditional IC forklifts with nominal capacity up to 5000 mm lifting height.
• Serie F Compact and high-performance electric forklift series, including F80/900 HD2 and F100 HD2 models with capacities from 7 to 10 tons, also available in container version.
• Serie RH2 High-efficiency electric forklift series with capacities from 45 to 80 quintals, featuring new front axle group and electronic differential for optimized driving modes.
• A160S First 16-ton electric truck with the same dimensions as 8-ton machines, designed for indoor applications in narrow spaces.
• A70X 7-ton capacity electric forklift with aesthetic and performance characteristics matching superior A series models.
• A140S Extremely compact electric forklift for indoor and outdoor handling up to 14 tons capacity, with dimensions identical to 8-ton machines.
• A 200 X Most performing model in the AX line, elevating technical specifications to reach 20-ton capacity.
• Z 55 H2 SPED Customized electric forklift solution for automotive industry production plants with compact dimensions and high turning radius capabilities.
• A 55-60-70 SC (Ultra-compact line) Ultra-compact and lightweight electric forklifts for common indoor warehouse applications.
• A 160/1200 S Expansion of the AS line with elevated centre of gravity for high-level material handling and enhanced maneuverability.
• Serie B 2026 Heavy-duty electric forklift series for indoor and outdoor use, with two distinct lines BH and BHD covering capacity range up to 12 tons.
• Macchine Speciali (SPED) Customized special machines designed and built by the dedicated SPED department for specific handling requirements including explosion-proof machines, military applications, nuclear waste handling, and clean-room operations.

Quantifiable outcome

• -12,500 kg CO2 reduction in one year
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered key strategic partner, regional partner, technology partner and parent company.

• Komatsu Forklift Australia Pty Ltdkey strategic partnerChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 22 April 2026Strategic partnership for official distribution of Carer brand in Australia. Komatsu Forklift Australia, with over 10 branches and 60 years of experience, serves as the official dealer. Launch events held in Melbourne (April 22) and Adelaide (May 20), 2026. Partnership addresses Australian market demand for electric solutions driven by rising fuel costs and zero-emission requirements.
• HKS Fördertechnik AGkey strategic partnerChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 10 December 2025Strategic partnership for distribution of electric forklifts in Switzerland and Liechtenstein starting Q4 2025. HKS Fördertechnik AG, with over 40 years of experience and approximately 70 employees, provides comprehensive services from sales to maintenance, spare parts, and custom projects.
• Carer Lifting Solutionsregional partnerChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2022Carer Lifting Solutions serves as importer for Central and Eastern Europe, managing markets including Germany, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, and Poland. Opened new headquarters in Gemert, Netherlands in 2022 to strengthen distribution capabilities.
• Curtis Instrumentstechnology partnerTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2017Partnership with Curtis Instruments for electronic control systems and instrumentation in the A/X series forklifts. Curtis provides integrated systems for electric and hybrid vehicles, including guidance systems, instrumentation, controllers, battery monitoring, and hydraulic control systems. The partnership enabled superior driving experience equivalent to internal combustion forklifts.
• ProTruck Norgeregional partnerChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2015Exclusive distribution agreement for the Norwegian market. ProTruck Norge, based near Oslo, is a growing company in Norway that signed the agreement along with initial orders of Z60H and Z80H forklifts for paper coil handling.
• Unicarparent companyOthers · 1 January 2013Carer has been part of the Unicar group since 2013. Unicar is a player in industrial handling and official dealer for Yale and Hyster brands in Italy. The acquisition has strengthened Carer's international development and innovation capabilities in zero-emission solutions.
• GS Staplerregional partnerChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGerman dealer in the automotive industry sector, operating from Wolfenbüttel, Lower Saxony. Hosts annual dealer meetings for Carer Deutschland.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• Hangcha Group: Major Chinese forklift manufacturer rapidly expanding in Europe with a broad electric and ICE lineup including heavy counterbalanced trucks. Competes with Carer on price-performance, particularly in standard warehouse segments.
• Maximal Forklift: Chinese manufacturer of diesel, gas, and electric counterbalanced forklifts with heavy-duty models (up to 25 tons). An emerging low-cost competitor in the heavy industrial forklift segment Carer specializes in.

Direct peers

• EP Equipment: Chinese-based specialist in electric forklifts (lithium-ion) with growing European presence. Directly competes with Carer in the conversion of small-to-mid tonnage warehouse and industrial segments.
• Crown Equipment Corporation: Family-owned US manufacturer focused on electric forklifts and warehouse equipment with a reputation for proprietary electronics and operator ergonomics — closely aligned with Carer's technology-led, electric-only positioning.
• Manitou Group: French manufacturer of material handling equipment including heavy-duty telehandlers and rough-terrain forklifts. Comparable in serving heavy industrial, construction, and port applications where Carer's high-capacity electric range competes.
• BYD Forklift (BYD Europe): Electric forklift specialist leveraging BYD's lithium-iron-phosphate battery technology; competes directly with Carer's value proposition of zero-emission forklifts replacing diesel fleets, with growing European dealer footprint.

Broad incumbents

• Jungheinrich: German intralogistics specialist with a strong electric counterbalanced forklift line and warehouse automation. Overlaps directly with Carer's indoor/outdoor electric forklift portfolio and serves similar European industrial customers.
• Toyota Material Handling: Global forklift market leader with comprehensive electric counterbalanced range. Comparable in serving industrial heavy-duty customers and is the scale benchmark Carer competes against in heavy-electric conversions.
• Hyster-Yale Materials Handling: Heavy-duty industrial truck manufacturer with a strong counterbalanced electric and ICE lineup; Unicar (Carer's parent) is the official Italian dealer for Hyster-Yale, making the relationship uniquely direct. Carer competes head-to-head in the heavy-duty segment.
• Kion Group (Linde Material Handling, STILL): One of Europe's largest forklift manufacturers (Linde and STILL brands) with broad electric and IC portfolios including heavy-duty counterbalanced trucks. Directly comparable to Carer's product categories at much larger scale.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/carerofficial
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/carerofficial

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Carer