The plant in Nijmegen, the Netherlands, where Hyster® Big Trucks are produced is celebrating its 70th year in 2023.

In 1952, Hyster created its first European plant in Nijmegen, with the first Hyster Big Trucks manufactured at the factory from January 1953. An official event was held to open the site in October 1953, attended by a number of dignitaries and more than 500 guests. This celebration saw the Mayor of Nijmegen cut the ribbon at the plant’s gates while riding a Hyster® lift truck.

To this day, the Nijmegen plant stands on the same site. However, it is now the global centre of design, development, and testing for Hyster Big Trucks globally. This includes the production of heavy-duty forklifts, with capacities from 8 – 48 tonnes, Hyster Empty Container Handlers, and the Hyster RS46 ReachStacker, as well as support services for the entire Big Truck range.

The Research and Development centre in Nijmegen has always been dedicated to the next generation of Big Trucks. In recent years, this has enabled Hyster to introduce a new cabin, available across most Big Trucks, which is packed with ergonomic, productivity-enhancing features in an efficient, cockpit-style design. It has also seen the launch of Big Truck engines compliant with the Stage V emissions standards, and solutions that enable Big Trucks to utilise HVO100 fuel, both of which support businesses to reduce their CO2 tailpipe emissions.

Most notably, the R&D centre in Nijmegen has seen an increased focus on supporting the transition to zero-emission port equipment, leveraging lithium-ion battery and hydrogen fuel cell technologies in particular. This is a long way from the ‘Karry Kranes’ and forklifts produced in the plant’s first year – mobile equipment based on tractor frames, that may seem primitive by today’s standards.

Key projects from the team in Nijmegen include a hydrogen fuel cell-powered container handler, currently in testing at the Port of Los Angeles, an Empty Container Handler powered by hydrogen fuel cells for Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG, Germany, and a fuel-cell powered ReachStacker in development for the Port of Valencia, Spain. In addition, Hyster is developing a 100% battery-powered Hyster Empty Container Handler for use by CARU Containers in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Earlier this year, Hyster also previewed a zero-emission Terminal Tractor which will be powered by Nuvera hydrogen fuel cells and is in development in collaboration with yard truck brand Capacity.

“The plant in Nijmegen has always aimed to deliver dependable Hyster Big Trucks that meet the needs of tough applications and demanding working conditions. That we are still here, and still innovating new solutions, 70 years on is testament to the quality of our manufacturing, and to how well we understand our customers’ ever-changing challenges,” says Peter van Sommeren, Senior Director Manufacturing and European Parts Ops.

HYSTER is one of the world's leading makers of forklift and warehousing trucks. With 70 years dedicated experience in the materials handling industry and an exclusive network of dealers, we believe we can provide lift truck users with a unique combination of quality products and after sales service.

Our aim is to ensure that your trucks are available when you need them, allowing you to concentrate on your core business.

We hope that you find our site interesting, and look forward to hearing your comments. 

HYSTER has been building lift trucks for over 70 years. The HYSTER story began in 1929 in the North American Lumber industry, with the supply of logging winches. The name HYSTER came from the cries of the workmen-"hoist'er".

The company then began to look for ways to improve general materials handling, and in 1934 built their first piece of mobile lifting equipment called a "cranemobile" which would later become known as the "karry krane".

The first HYSTER lift truck was built in 1935 and by the end of 1940's, HYSTER lift trucks, of various types could be found on ports and docksides, and loading timber yards throughout the U.S.A. and other parts of the world.

In the 1950s, HYSTER established its European headquarter in England, and then built its forklift manufacturing plants in the Netherlands, Scotland, Ireland and Italy, as well as in Australia. In late 1950s, HYSTER invented "Monotrol Pedal Technology" which controls both directions and acceleration. This technology was one of the most advanced technologies and has been used in forklift industry till now. With the developing of its business, HYSTER has built 14 manufacturing plants all over the world with a 16% world market share.

HYSTER Company is the first U.S. lift truck manufacturer to receive ISO9002 registration. The Testing Center which was built in 1960s in Portland is the biggest and best equipped lift truck testing center in the world. Today customers consider the word "HYSTER" and "lift truck" to be synonymous. We, HYSTER China with such a proud heritage will strive hard to make sure that doesn't change.

Shanghai HYSTER has been active in China for many years. Our commitment to serving our customers has led us to make a major investment in China. A totally new, award winning manufacturing and servicing facility became operational in 1999. Besides manufacturing a range of HYSTER products at this facility, the national HYSTER distribution and service network is managed from this centrally situated facility which is located in the Pudong, Shanghai industrial zone.

HYSTER China Headquarter is located in Jinqiao, Pudong Shanghai. The plant was formally opened on April 8th, 1999 with a 26,379m2 facility and over 100 employees. It adopts latest DFT (Demand Flow Technology) in its manufacturing and management system for 2-3 ton diesel trucks followed by one new range of 1.5-2.5 ton electric truck.

HYSTER China will use its worldwide resources to serve the domestic and multinational corporations in China.