Lonking History and Rise: From Longyan Workshop to HKEX

You probably know XCMG and SANY. But the Chinese loader brand that first listed on the Hong Kong main board? Lonking. Founded in a small workshop in Longyan, Fujian in 1993, Lonking grew into one of the largest privately owned construction machinery makers in China — and the lonking history and rise explains why its wheel loaders now move earth on five continents.

The lonking history and rise starts in Longyan (1993-1998)

Founder Li Xinyan started the company in 1993 in Longyan, a mountain city in western Fujian. In an industry then dominated by state-owned giants, Lonking chose a different path: build quality first, win trust one customer at a time. By 1996 the company earned national quality management accreditation, in 1997 its loaders were named a national consumer-trusted product, and in 1998 Lonking won Fujian provincial famous brand status — rare honors for a private factory only five years old.

Shanghai expansion and an industry-first HKEX listing (1999-2005)

In 1999 Lonking moved its base to Shanghai and built the Lonking (Shanghai) Industrial Park. Within a year, loader sales entered the industry top three. ISO9001 and US FMRC certification followed in 2001, a Jiangxi production base opened in 2003, and in 2004 annual loader sales passed 10,000 units while the Lonking brand won the China Famous Brand Product title.

The defining moment came in 2005, when Lonking listed on the main board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under ticker 3339.HK — the first company in the Chinese construction machinery industry to do so. That listing gave the company the capital and credibility to fund the next stage of the lonking history and rise.

Global climb: from Top 40 to Top 22 (2006-2015)

After listing, Lonking went global. In 2006 it began cooperation with MIT and Shanghai Jiao Tong University and started shipping in volume to the Middle East. In 2007 the CDM export series earned CE certification, and the stock joined the Hang Seng index family. Between 2008 and 2010, Lonking climbed from 40th to 24th to 22nd in the KHL Global Construction Machinery Top 50.

Sources: Lonking official timeline · HKEX announcements · KHL Yellow Table

A vertically integrated maker with real scale

Few Chinese brands match Lonking vertical integration — a pillar of the lonking history and rise. The company builds five machine lines — wheel loaders, excavators, forklifts, road rollers and skid steer loaders — and makes core components itself: axles, transmissions, hydraulics, castings and forgings. In 2015 it began supplying those components to other manufacturers, proof that its in-house parts were good enough to sell to competitors. The 2024 annual report shows revenue of about RMB 10.21 billion and net profit of about RMB 1.02 billion, with profit improving even as revenue eased. In the domestic loader market, Lonking holds about 12% share — fourth behind SDLG (~18%), LiuGong (~17%) and XCMG (~15%).

Because Lonking shares the same global supply chain as its Chinese rivals — Cummins and Weichai engines, Rexroth and Kawasaki hydraulics — a Lonking machine delivers performance on par with the top brands at a price typically 30-40% below international equivalents. That is the value proposition that keeps budget-conscious buyers coming back.

Parts and after-sales: the Lonking advantage

A large installed base means parts are never hard to find. Lonking loaders have been sold across China for three decades, so genuine components are abundant and affordable. As the authorized Lonking dealer for both Shanxi and Shaanxi provinces, Shanxi Yongle (CMPartsCN) has served loader owners for more than 20 years, stocking genuine Lonking parts in a 2,000 sqm warehouse and shipping worldwide. Need an axle assembly, a hydraulic cylinder or a filter kit? We quote and dispatch quickly — and if you buy a Lonking machine anywhere, parts support stays one email away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lonking a reliable wheel loader brand?

Yes. Lonking has built loaders since 1993, listed on the Hong Kong main board in 2005, and ranked among the global Top 22 machinery makers. Its loaders carry the same core components used by better-known Chinese rivals, backed by a mature dealer and parts network.

How does Lonking quality compare with SDLG, LiuGong and XCMG?

All four brands sit in the same quality tier. The lonking history and rise shows a company that invested early in certification and vertical integration, so its machines are comparable to SDLG, LiuGong and XCMG at a friendlier price.

Are Lonking parts easy to find outside China?

Generally yes. Lonking export volume is large and independent suppliers such as Shanxi Yongle stock genuine parts for common loader models, so shipping to most regions takes days rather than months.

Which Chinese loader brand should I choose — Lonking, SDLG, LiuGong or XCMG?

Match the machine to your job and budget. SDLG and LiuGong lead on loader volume, XCMG offers the widest range, and Lonking typically comes in at the sharpest price for equivalent specs. Our full ranking of Chinese wheel loader brands can help you decide.

Is it safe to import a wheel loader from China?

Yes, when you buy from an established manufacturer and a verified dealer. Check certifications, confirm the FOB price in writing, and use a supplier that can provide genuine parts and after-sales support.

What does Shanxi Yongle offer as the Lonking dealer for Shanxi and Shaanxi?

As the authorized Lonking dealer for both provinces, we supply genuine Lonking machines and parts, plus fast quotes and export documentation. With a 2,000 sqm warehouse and 20+ years in the industry, we support loader owners across China and overseas.

Final verdict

From a Longyan workshop to the Hong Kong main board, the lonking history and rise is one of the most underrated stories in Chinese construction machinery. Lonking delivers proven loaders, vertical integration and honest pricing — and with authorized dealer support in Shanxi and Shaanxi, genuine parts are always within reach.

Compare Lonking against the rest of the field in our Top Chinese Wheel Loader Brands 2026 ranking and buyer guide, or email donald@cmpartscn.com for current prices and genuine Lonking parts.