Since the invention of the first all-terrain forklift truck, the search for innovation has always been at the origin of the great successes of the Manitou brand. And more broadly of the Manitou group through its two other brands, Gehl and Mustang by Manitou.
In 1958, in the west of France, Marcel Braud imagined the principle of an original machine: inverting the layout of a farm tractor, adding a lifting mast and hydraulic steering. The first all-terrain forklift truck had just been born. It will make the success of the company and will lead to its worldwide influence.
“I had to find a name for these trucks… It will be MANITOU, a name decided during a family brainstorming session: a truck that “handles everything”! It is pronounceable in all languages, ideal for international development!”
Marcel Braud, Founder of Manitou
1958: Launch of the first rough-terrain forklift
The MC 5, intended for the construction market, has a load capacity of 500 kg. In 2017, a new version of this historic forklift is brought to market, the MC 18, with a load capacity of 1.8 tons.
1981: Launch of the first telehandler
With the Maniscopic range, Manitou enters the telehandler market. True engines of growth, these machines become the flagship products of the company.
1984: Initial Public Offering
Manitou enters the Second Marché of the Paris Stock Exchange. Currently listed on Euronext, the company is part of the Next 150 index.
1993: Launch of rotating telehandlers
MRT 1540 is the group’s first rotating machine. This product range, which can turn in 360°, enhances the offering for construction professionals. The MRTs are designed and produced in Castelfranco, in the group’s Italian factory.
1993: Purchase of Loc Manutention
A specialist in warehousing products, Loc Manutention joins Manitou Group in 1993. In 2015, the subsidiary, whose production site is located in Beaupréau, becomes “LMH Solutions”.
1993: Launch of the aerial work platforms
The 100 AE (articulated electric) platform was launched in March 1993, with a lifting height of 10 meters.
Today, the group offers aerial work platforms ranging in height from 8 to 28 meters. This product range is very popular with rental companies and is manufactured in Candé.
1995: Launch of the first truck-mounted forklift
With the MANITRANSIT range, Manitou Group is now active in the truck-mounted forklift market. These machines, designed to facilitate the loading and unloading of trucks, are considered as “last mile experts” in logistics.
2008: Acquisition of Gehl Company
A specialist in the production and marketing of compact equipment, Gehl Company owns two brands: Gehl and Mustang. The company then becomes Manitou Americas. This acquisition allows Manitou Group to enter the US market.
2015: Celebration of the 500,000th machine produced
Manitou Group reaches the half-million mark in production, all brands combined. A special model, an MLT with iridescent colors, is specially designed for this occasion.
2017: Purchase of Manitou Equipment India – addition of the backhoe range
In order to strengthen its presence in emerging markets, Manitou Group acquires TEPL. Located in Greater Noida (India), this is the group’s eleventh production site. Now called Manitou Equipment India, it specializes in the production and distribution of backhoes and mini-loaders.
2017: Acquisition of a majority stake in LiftRite
Manitou Group signs majority ownership agreement with the LiftRite Hire & Sales dealership in Perth, Australia. With the acquisition of this historic distributor, the group strengthens its presence in the mining sector, a sector in which LiftRite specializes.
2018: Celebration of the 800,000th machine produced
Manitou Group reaches 800,000 machines mark in production, all brands combined.
2018: Launch of the first prototype of electric telehandler in the world
Manitou Group introduced its first prototype of electric telehandler in the world.
2022: Manitou UK Turns 50 Years Old
April 1st 2022: 50 years ago on this day in 1972, Manitou UK the first subsidiary created by Manitou Group was born.
