History - Manitou Group

A global & family group ...

Manitou Group was built around the vision of entrepreneurs wishing to develop efficient and safe solutions that reduce the burden of users and increase productivity.

Since the invention of the first rough-terrain forklift, the pursuit of innovation has always been the foundation of the great successes of Manitou Group.

In 1958, Marcel Braud dreamt up the idea of a novel machine. "Why not reverse the design of a farm tractor and add a lift mast and hydraulic steering to it?" The first rough-terrain forklift was born. It would drive the success of the company and lead to its global reach.

I had to find a name for these forklifts ... It'll be MANITOU, a name decided during a family brainstorming session: a forklift that «handles» everything! It is pronounceable in every language and is 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.

1972: Beginning of the internationalization effort

Manitou UK, the group's first subsidiary, opens at Chandlers Ford, near Southampton, in England. It is the first of 26 subsidiaries around the world.

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.

2017: Purchase of Terex Equipment Private Limited

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, mini-loaders, telehandlers and scissors aerial work platforms.

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.