1840s

Linus Yale Sr. begins designing and manufacturing a series of innovative, high-security locks at his Yale Lock Shop in Newport, NY. He specialized in expensive, handmade bank locks.

1868

Shortly before he dies in December 1868, Linus Yale Sr. brings on Henry Towne and changes the company's name to Yale and Towne Manufacturing. The business moves to Stamford, CT.

1875

Still under the guidance of Henry Towne, Yale and Towne Manufacturing expands the company to add materials handling equipment and becomes the largest employer in the Stamford area.

1920

Yale brand history officially begins when Yale & Towne purchases the C.W. Hunt Co. of Staten Island, NY, which had developed the industry's first battery-powered low-lift platform truck in 1919. This same year, Yale & Towne launches a new battery-powered low-lift platform truck and a range of high-lift platform trucks, tow tractors and one of the first lifting trucks with tilting forks.

1929

The Willamette-Ersted Company is founded in Portland, OR, as a manufacturer of winches and lifting machines for the timber industry. Legend has it that loggers using the equipment would cry out “hoist er" as they prepared to lift a load. The expression, spelled out as Hyster, sticks, marking the beginning of the storied Hyster lift truck history.

1934

The company, now renamed Willamette Hyster Company, introduces one of its first forklift trucks, a straddle carrier equipped with forks.

1934

Now known as Yale & Towne, the company opens its first overseas manufacturing facilities in Wednesfield, England. They also begin selling lift trucks in Japan through a partnership with the Kiichi Harada Company.

1944

The Willamette Hyster Company formally adopts the name Hyster Company and continues to build on its reputation for durable and often massive lifting machines. During World War II the company‘s products are distributed overseas. The international presence helps establish a global network of manufacturing plants and dealer organizations.

1950

Yale & Towne adds gas, LP gas and diesel-powered lift trucks to its product line and introduces the first fluid coupling transmissions and hypoid drive axles to the lift truck field.

1959

Hyster® brand introduces the famous Monotrol® pedal, a unique development providing speed and direction control in one simple pedal.

1974

Yale & Towne opens its Greenville, NC, plant to produce electric trucks.

1984

Yale Materials Handling Corporation is established.

1985

North American Coal buys a controlling interest in Yale.

1986

NACCO Industries, Inc. is created as a holding company.

1989

The Hyster® brand-still owned by the same family group that started the company - is acquired by NACCO Industries. With both the Yale® brand and Hyster® brand of lift trucks in its portfolio, NACCO Industries creates NACCO Materials Handling Group (NMHG) to integrate and manage the two companies as one.

1996

Following the acquisition of manufacturing plants in Modena and Masate (Italy), NMHG rolls out a comprehensive line of lift trucks for warehouse applications in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

2000

Warehouse product launches and improvements begin focusing on harmonization and standardization of key components such as controllers and tiller arms.

2002

Following a substantial program of investment, Nijmegen, Netherlands, becomes the global center for Big Truck design, development and manufacturing.

2004

All NMHG facilities are awarded ISO 9001:2000 quality accreditation.

2005

Both the Hyster® and Yale® brands begin to roll out a complete new generation of ICE (internal combustion engine) trucks, with a modular design platform and innovative features, providing unprecedented reliability and value to users.

2006

As warehousing and distribution hubs grow worldwide, the Hyster® and Yale® brands introduce the sophisticated VNA (very narrow aisle) truck, featuring a unique quad mast design.

2007

Investment programs continue, focused on product-line development, quality and efficiency in supply chain and optimization of NMHG's worldwide manufacturing capacity.

2009

Both the Hyster® and Yale® brands introduce a new generation of Electric Counterbalance trucks, which continues the Company's strategy of modular design and innovation, while offering customers both outstanding performance and significant savings in operational costs.

2011

NMHG introduces the UTILEV® brand of utility trucks into selected markets.

2012

Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc. formed as an independent public company following spin-off by NACCO Industries. Inc

2014

In December 2014, NMHG, Hyster-Yale's operating company, acquires Nuvera Fuel Cells. LLC, an alternative-power technology company focused on fuel cell stacks and engines, on-site hydrogen production and dispensing systems.

January 2016

In January 2016, NMHG changes its name to Hyster-Yale Group to reinforce its position as the operating company under Hyster-Yale Materials Handling. Inc.

April 2016

In April 2016, Hyster-Yale Group acquires the telematics installation and distribution business of Speedshield Technology for the U.S. and U.K. These businesses are rebranded as HYG Telematics Solutions.

July 2016

In July 2016, Hyster-Yale Group completes the acquisition of Bolzoni S.P.A., a leading worldwide provider of attachments, forks and lift tables under the Bolzoni Auramo® and Meyer® brand names.

2018

On June 1, 2018 Hyster-Yale acquires a 75% interest in Zhejiang Maximal Forklift Company Limited, which was renamed Hyster-Yale Maximal.

2019

In collaboration with JBT, Hyster-Yale Group introduces a new Yale robotic reach truck.