Clark Material Handling, credited with inventing the forklift, will move its global headquarters from Korea to the United States, where the brand was founded.

In 1924 Clark introduced a Duat with an optional tiering attachment, the world's first internal combustion forklift

Clark, which was acquired by South Korean company Young An Hat Company in 2003, will merge its global headquarters with Clark Material Handling Company (CMHC) on July 1.

The new entity will be based in Dallas, Texas, with new headquarters planned for January 1 next year.

Clark’s current global president Chuck Moratz will lead the integrated organisation and serve as chief executive officer at CMHC.

“Clark remains steadfast in its promise to deliver the highest-quality products and services worldwide,” Moratz says.

“By relocating and combining our operations, we will accelerate new product development and the integration of new technologies to meet the changing needs of our customers while providing the best service and lowest cost of ownership in the industry.”