This profile of the French manufacturer of handling machinery, Manitou, is an update of the report published in July 2022.

Founded and registered by Marcel Braud in 1957 in Nantes, Manitou’s headquarters are based in Ancenis, France in the western département of Loire-Atlantique in the Pay de la Loire region. Its machines are produced at ten sites in Ancenis, Candé, Laillé and Beaupréau (France), Castelfranco (Italy), Yankton and Madison (South Dakota of the United States), and Greater Noida (India). The company aims to source production closer to customers in order to stabilise supply chains, reduce costs and increase production flexibility. In 2024 it invested into its Yankton facility to increase its output of telescopic handlers to underline the importance of both the product and the North American market.

Its best known and popular products are telescopic handlers, in which it is market leader in many countries. Product lines include Construction and Agriculture Telehandlers (MT and MLT series), Rotary telehandlers (MRT series), and Heavy Telehandlers (MHT). It also produces masted rough terrain forklifts, aerial work platforms, and compact wheeled loaders.

Whilst it aims to maintain its leadership in telescopic handlers, it is also expanding into specialised material handling equipment, mostly platforms. Its key objectives include the strengthening of its dealer network, and increasing market share outside Europe, preferably in the USA where it has local production. It invests in machines with electric and hybrid powertrains, and hydrogen solutions. To achieve higher margins and revenues, one of its strategic priorities is to invest in a broad range of services, including spare parts, maintenance, service contracts, financing and leasing, fleet management, and digital services.

Depending on the region and product, the company sells under two brands, Manitou, and Gehl. In March 2026, the Group launched a long term strategy called “LIFT 2030”, with has a target revenue of €3.8 billion by 2030, which implies an average annual growth rate of 8 per cent over the next five years. In 2025 the Group reported that it had doubled its order intake following the return of strong demand from rental companies. So, while orders have recovered, revenues are expected to increase later. Much will depend on its North America expansion, growth in its sales of aerial work platforms, and increased production in India and the USA.