Manitou () is a French heavy equipment manufacturer that makes forklifts,

cherry picker An aerial work platform (AWP), also known as an aerial device, elevating work platform (EWP), cherry picker, bucket truck or mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) is a mechanical device used to provide temporary access for people or equipment t ...

s, telehandlers, and other heavy equipment. Manitou started in

France France (), officially the French Republic ( ), is a country primarily located in Western Europe. It also comprises of overseas regions and territories in the Americas and the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. Its metropolitan area ...

in 1957 when Marcel Braud designed the first forklift truck for use in rough terrain. Its headquarters are in

Ancenis Ancenis (; ) is a former commune in the Loire-Atlantique department in western France. On 1 January 2019, it was merged into the new commune Ancenis-Saint-Géréon. It is a former sub-prefecture of the department, and was the seat of the former a ...

. The firm expanded internationally, with Manitou UK formed in 1971, Manitou Italia in 1985, Manitou BeNeLux in 1990, Manitou Portugal in 1993, Manitou Australia in 2004, Manitou Vostok (Russia) in 2005, and Manitou Poland in 2007. Company revenues first exceeded €1 billion in 2007.

Yanmar is a Japanese diesel engine, heavy machinery and agricultural machinery manufacturer founded in Osaka, Japan in 1912. Yanmar manufactures and sells engines used in a wide range of applications, including seagoing vessels, pleasure boats, cons ...

purchased 6.26% of the company in 2012. Manitou was a finalist at the European Rental Awards 2019 organised by the European Rental Association. In November 2022, it was announced Manitou had acquired one of its authorised service and repair companies, the Castelfranco-based, Gi.Erre. In December 2022, it was announced Manitou had acquired an 82 percent stake in easyLi, the Chasseneuil-du-Poitou-based producer of lithium-ion batteries.

References

External links

Manitou company page

Forklift Manufacturer
Manufacturing companies established in 1957 Construction equipment manufacturers of France Forklift truck manufacturers French brands French companies established in 1957 Companies listed on Euronext Paris {{manufacturer-stub