Forklift manufacturers

Which companies make forklifts

Here are the top forklift brands in the world and information about the manufacturers that produce them.

Allis Chalmers

Founded in 1901 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Allis-Chalmers was a prominent American manufacturer known for producing industrial machinery, including forklifts. Allis-Chalmers forklifts were recognized for their durability and reliability, serving various industries for many years. The forklifts featured robust construction and innovative engineering, making them a popular choice for material handling tasks.

In the 1980s, Allis-Chalmers faced financial challenges and sold its forklift division to Fiat's Allis-Chalmers division, which eventually became part of Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc. Today, Hyster-Yale continues the legacy of producing high-quality material handling equipment.

CAT

CAT forklifts are produced by Caterpillar Inc., a leading American corporation renowned for construction, mining, and material handling equipment. Founded in 1925 after the merger of Holt Manufacturing Company and C. L. Best Tractor Company, CAT forklifts are known for their rugged durability and performance, catering to industries like warehousing, manufacturing, and logistics.

The manufacturing and distribution of CAT forklifts are managed by Mitsubishi Logisnext, part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. This partnership ensures CAT forklifts benefit from advanced engineering and a global distribution network.

Clark Material Handling Company

Clark Material Handling Company, founded in 1903 by Eugene B. Clark, is a pioneer in the forklift industry. Clark introduced the world’s first internal combustion-powered industrial truck in 1917, revolutionizing material handling. Clark forklifts are known for their robust design and innovative technology.

Today, Clark is a subsidiary of the South Korean conglomerate Young An Hat Company, which acquired it in 2003. Clark continues to thrive, expanding its product offerings and global footprint.

Crown

Crown Equipment Corporation is a leading manufacturer of electric forklifts and material handling equipment. Founded in 1945, Crown has become known for its innovative designs, advanced technology, and exceptional durability. The company continues to be recognized for its commitment to safety, ergonomics, and sustainability.

Crown remains privately owned by the Dicke family, with its headquarters in New Bremen, Ohio, and maintains a strong global presence.

Doosan

Doosan forklifts are manufactured by Doosan Industrial Vehicle, a division of Doosan Corporation, a South Korean conglomerate founded in 1896. Known for producing reliable, high-performance forklifts, Doosan caters to a wide range of industrial applications with robust construction and advanced technology.

Today, Doosan Industrial Vehicle continues to innovate and expand its product line, delivering quality forklifts globally.

Hyundai

Hyundai forklifts are produced by Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), part of the Hyundai Heavy Industries Group. Hyundai forklifts are known for their durability, innovative engineering, and user-friendly design, providing efficient material handling solutions in industries such as warehousing, manufacturing, and logistics.

Hyundai Construction Equipment manages the manufacturing of these forklifts, ensuring top-quality performance and safety.

Hyster

Hyster, founded in 1929, is a well-known name in the material handling industry. Initially producing logging winches, the company transitioned to forklift manufacturing in the 1930s. Hyster forklifts are recognized for their robust durability, innovative engineering, and high performance.

Today, Hyster operates under the ownership of Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc., and continues to be a global leader in material handling solutions.

Jungheinrich

Founded in 1953 in Hamburg, Germany, Jungheinrich is a leading manufacturer of forklifts and warehouse equipment. Renowned for its precision engineering, advanced technology, and ergonomic designs, Jungheinrich offers a wide range of forklifts tailored to industries like logistics and manufacturing.

Jungheinrich remains a family-owned company with a global presence, continually delivering cutting-edge material handling solutions.

Kalmar

Kalmar, founded in 1946, is a Swedish manufacturer of cargo handling equipment. It specializes in solutions for ports, terminals, and heavy industry. Kalmar is part of the Cargotec Corporation, a Finnish company that provides cargo and load handling solutions.

Kalmar continues to lead in innovation and sustainability, delivering quality products to the global market.

Komatsu

Founded in 1921 in Japan, Komatsu is a global leader in manufacturing construction, mining, and industrial machinery. Its Material Handling Equipment division produces forklifts and warehouse equipment, known for their durability and advanced technology.

Komatsu continues to operate independently, offering high-quality solutions to optimize operations in industries like logistics and manufacturing.

Linde

Linde Material Handling, founded in 1904 in Germany, is a global leader in manufacturing forklifts and warehouse equipment. Today, Linde operates as a subsidiary of the KION Group, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of industrial trucks and supply chain solutions.

Linde is renowned for its advanced technology, ergonomic designs, and comprehensive service offerings, serving customers worldwide.

Lull

Lull is known for its rough terrain forklifts, originating in 1959 in Minnesota, USA. Its telescopic handlers gained popularity for their robust design and versatility. Acquired by JLG Industries, a subsidiary of Oshkosh Corporation, Lull products continue to serve the construction industry with durable performance.

Manitou

Manitou, founded in 1957 in France, is a leading manufacturer of material handling, access, and earthmoving equipment. Manitou’s innovative rough terrain forklifts have enhanced the efficiency of agricultural and industrial operations.

Manitou remains family-owned and operates globally, delivering quality products to a variety of industries.

Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi is a renowned Japanese conglomerate with a diverse range of businesses, including material handling. Mitsubishi Logisnext, its material handling division, was formed through the merger of Mitsubishi Nichiyu Forklift Co. and UniCarriers Corporation in 2017, producing innovative and reliable forklifts and warehouse equipment.

Today, Mitsubishi Logisnext operates under Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, providing global solutions for logistics and supply chain operations.

TCM

TCM, founded in 1949 in Japan, was the first company to manufacture forklifts in the country. Known for its high-quality products, TCM became a trusted brand in the material handling industry. Today, TCM operates under Mitsubishi Logisnext following the merger with UniCarriers Corporation.

Mitsubishi Logisnext continues to leverage TCM’s legacy to deliver advanced material handling solutions worldwide.

Toyota

Toyota, founded in 1937, is a global leader in automotive manufacturing and a key player in the material handling industry through its Toyota Material Handling Group (TMHG). TMHG produces forklifts and warehouse equipment renowned for their reliability, efficiency, and technological advancements.

Toyota continues to be a top-selling brand globally, with a strong presence in material handling solutions.

Yale

Yale, founded in 1844 in Connecticut, USA, is a pioneer in the material handling industry. Known for its engineering excellence and innovation, Yale produces a diverse array of forklifts tailored to meet various industrial needs.

Today, Yale operates as part of Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc., and remains committed to delivering innovative material handling solutions worldwide.