Where Are Forklifts Manufactured?
Forklifts are manufactured across multiple continents, with the largest production concentrated in Asia-Pacific (particularly China, Japan, and South Korea), the United States, and Europe (especially Germany). Major manufacturers like Toyota produce forklifts in nine countries including the US, Japan, China, Brazil, France, Italy, and Sweden, while brands like Crown and Hyster-Yale maintain significant US manufacturing facilities.
Global Manufacturing Landscape
The forklift manufacturing industry operates on a truly global scale, with production facilities strategically located to serve regional markets and optimize costs.
Asia-Pacific dominates global production, accounting for over 50% of the market share in 2024. China leads as the world’s largest manufacturing hub, producing approximately 60,000 forklift units in 2024, with projections reaching 80,430 units by 2030. This growth reflects China’s position as both a major consumer and exporter of material handling equipment.
Japan remains home to several industry pioneers. Toyota Industries Corporation, the world’s largest forklift manufacturer, maintains its headquarters in Japan while operating production facilities globally. Mitsubishi Logisnext and Komatsu also anchor their operations in Japan, though both have expanded manufacturing to multiple countries.
South Korea contributes significantly through companies like Doosan and Hyundai Construction Equipment. Doosan manufactures its complete forklift range in South Korea at ISO 9001 certified facilities, while serving markets across North America, Europe, and Asia.
United States Manufacturing Centers
The United States hosts a robust domestic forklift manufacturing sector, concentrated primarily in the industrial Midwest and South.
Major US Production Facilities:
Crown Equipment Corporation operates approximately 1.5 million square feet of manufacturing space across Ohio, including facilities in New Bremen, Troy, New Knoxville, and Minster. The company manufactures roughly 85% of its forklift components in-house. Crown also has production sites in Greencastle and New Castle, Indiana, plus Kinston, North Carolina.
Toyota Material Handling’s Columbus, Indiana facility has assembled forklifts since 1990. Spanning 1,015,843 square feet on 126 acres with over 900 manufacturing employees, the plant produces a new Toyota forklift every three minutes using the Toyota Production System. In 2024, Toyota announced a $100 million investment for a new 295,000-square-foot electric forklift factory, expected to open in June 2026.
Hyster-Yale Group maintains its primary US manufacturing at Berea, Kentucky, where operations began in 1973. This facility produces Class I, IV, and V forklifts. The company previously operated plants in Danville, Illinois (opened 1946) and Crawfordsville, Indiana, though these have since closed.
Hoist Material Handling, based in East Chicago, Indiana, specializes in high-capacity American-made electric forklifts with capacities ranging from 7 to 57 tons. The company has operated in the material handling space since 1918, when it was founded as Silent Hoist & Crane Company.
Clark Material Handling, inventor of the first forklift in 1920, currently operates production in Lexington, Kentucky, where light manufacturing started in 2019. The company previously had major facilities in Battle Creek, Michigan (closed 1982), Georgetown, Kentucky (closed 1987), and Danville, Kentucky.
European Manufacturing Hubs
Europe, particularly Germany, serves as a center of innovation and high-quality forklift production.
Germany’s Dominance:
KION Group, headquartered in Germany, operates as Europe’s largest forklift manufacturer. The company produces equipment under brands including Linde, STILL, and Baoli. KION maintains prominent facilities in Germany and Italy, with an extensive network across Western and Eastern Europe. In February 2024, KION introduced the Linde Series 1293 electric forklift in North America.
Jungheinrich AG, based in Hamburg, Germany, operates 11 production sites primarily located in Germany and China. With over 60 years of experience, the company manufactures more than 600 different forklift models. In 2023, Jungheinrich expanded its North American presence by acquiring Storage Solutions Group for $375 million.
France’s Contribution:
Manitou, based in France with North American headquarters in West Bend, Wisconsin, invented the first all-terrain forklift truck. The company maintains three manufacturing facilities in the United States and produces equipment for industrial, construction, and agricultural applications.
Other European Manufacturers:
Italy hosts several forklift producers, including historical brands and modern operations. The Netherlands and Finland serve as production bases for certain Mitsubishi Logisnext models serving European markets.
Chinese Manufacturing Expansion
China has evolved from a cost-effective production base to a center of innovation and quality manufacturing.
By 2012, many leading Japanese, European, and American forklift brands had established production facilities in China. This shift initially targeted the growing Chinese domestic market but increasingly focuses on global exports. Chinese-built forklifts from major international brands now meet the same quality standards as their home-country counterparts.
Indigenous Chinese Manufacturers:
Anhui Forklift Group (Heli), founded in 1958, ranks among the world’s top six forklift manufacturers. The company produces over 250,000 forklift units annually and exports to more than 150 countries. Heli maintains a nationwide service network in China with 24 provincial sales companies and over 400 managed sales and service locations.
Hangcha Group, established in 1956 in Hangzhou, produces more than 250,000 units annually and ranks eighth globally in sales volume. The company listed on the Chinese Shanghai Stock Exchange in 2016, reflecting its growing market position.
BYD Company, known for electric vehicles, has expanded into electric forklift manufacturing, leveraging its expertise in battery technology and electric powertrains.
These Chinese manufacturers have achieved certifications including ISO 9001 and increasingly compete with established international brands on quality, not just price.
Manufacturing Trends and Global Distribution
Modern forklift production reflects several key industry shifts.
Globalization of Production:
Major manufacturers maintain multi-country production strategies. Toyota Industries Corporation operates forklift manufacturing in nine countries: the United States, Brazil, China, Japan, Sweden, France, Italy, and others. This global footprint allows companies to serve regional markets efficiently while managing costs and supply chains.
Mitsubishi Logisnext produces forklifts in Spain, the Netherlands, Finland, the United States, Japan, and China. This distribution ensures regional customization and responsive service networks.
Electric Forklift Manufacturing:
The shift toward electric forklifts has prompted new factory investments. Toyota’s $100 million electric forklift facility represents a broader industry trend. Manufacturers are integrating lithium-ion battery production and advanced electronics into their manufacturing processes.
Godrej & Boyce in India introduced indigenously developed lithium-ion battery-powered forklifts in August 2024, partnering with Log9 Materials for battery management systems. The company aims for 100% cell localization, marking a significant step in regional manufacturing independence.
Regional Specialization:
Certain manufacturers focus on specific forklift types. Liftking in Canada specializes in rough terrain forklifts and container handlers. Combilift in Ireland leads global production of multi-directional and side-loading forklifts. Landoll in the United States produces specialized articulated mast lift trucks under the Drexel SwingMast and Bendi brands.
Manufacturing by Region: Statistical Overview
Asia-Pacific Production:
The Asia-Pacific region dominated the global forklift market with over 50% market share in 2024. China’s forklift production volume has grown consistently, from 23,700 units in 2016 to 60,010 units in 2024, with projections of 80,430 units by 2030.
Japan, South Korea, and India also maintain significant manufacturing capacity. Japan houses production facilities for Toyota, Komatsu, Mitsubishi Logisnext, and Nissan forklifts, though many have also established Chinese manufacturing operations.
North American Production:
The United States maintains a flourishing forklift manufacturing sector despite historical plant closures. As of 2024, major manufacturing facilities operate in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Texas. Production focuses increasingly on electric and advanced automation equipment.
Canada’s forklift manufacturing centers on specialized equipment, with companies like Liftking producing heavy-duty and rough terrain models.
European Production:
Germany leads European manufacturing through KION and Jungheinrich. Combined with production facilities in France, Italy, UK, and other countries, Europe maintains its position as a center of high-technology forklift production.
European manufacturers emphasize electric powertrains, automation features, and ergonomic design, often commanding premium prices in global markets.
Other Regions:
Brazil hosts Toyota production facilities serving the South American market. South Africa and the Middle East have assembly and service operations, though major manufacturing remains concentrated in the regions mentioned above.
Quality and Standards Across Manufacturing Locations
Manufacturing quality has become increasingly consistent across global production sites.
ISO 9001 certification has become standard across the industry. Clark Material Handling was the first forklift manufacturer globally to achieve ISO 9001 compliance. Chinese manufacturers have widely adopted this standard, with companies like Heli and Hangcha maintaining certifications across their facilities.
American standards, particularly UL approval for electrical systems, remain important for the North American market. Manufacturers producing for multiple markets must meet region-specific requirements, from EU emissions standards to OSHA safety guidelines in the United States.
The Toyota Production System, utilized at Toyota’s Columbus, Indiana facility, exemplifies manufacturing excellence. The facility produces forklifts using just-in-time principles and Heijunka leveling techniques, achieving remarkable efficiency with a new forklift rolling off the line every three minutes.
Market Size and Manufacturing Capacity
The global forklift market was valued at approximately $85.2 billion in 2024, projected to reach $125.4 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 6.7%.
This growth drives continued manufacturing expansion. Toyota Material Handling’s new $100 million electric forklift facility represents just one example of capacity investment. Jungheinrich raised $300 million in early 2024 to develop new technologies and expand market reach in Europe and North America.
Manufacturing volume varies significantly by region and company. Large manufacturers like Toyota, KION, and Crown produce hundreds of thousands of units annually across their global networks. Mid-size manufacturers may produce 30,000 to 100,000 units, while specialized producers focus on smaller volumes of highly customized equipment.
Vietnam Market Context
Vietnam does not maintain significant domestic forklift manufacturing, instead relying primarily on imports to meet local demand.
According to trade data, Vietnam’s forklift import value reached nearly $180 million in 2023, with imports from January to May 2024 approaching $80 million. The primary import sources are China, Japan, and Singapore.
Major forklift distributors in Vietnam include:
- UMW Equipment Systems (Vietnam): Official Toyota forklift distributor with nine locations nationwide
- Binh Minh Forklift Company: Exclusive Heli forklift distributor, recognized as Vietnam’s top forklift importer in 2019 and top dealer in 2022
- Ky Luc Company: Exclusive Yale forklift dealer since 2008, operating in Vietnam and Cambodia
- Crown Equipment Vietnam: Providing new, pre-owned, and rental forklifts
- KDIC Company: Authorized dealer for Yale forklifts and other industrial equipment
These distributors import forklifts manufactured primarily in the countries mentioned earlier, particularly from Chinese, Japanese, and American production facilities. Some companies like Binh Minh claim manufacturing capacity in Vietnam, though this likely refers to assembly or modification rather than primary manufacturing of complete forklifts.
Vietnam’s role remains primarily as a consumer market and distribution hub for Southeast Asia, rather than a manufacturing center. With continued industrial development and growing e-commerce logistics demands, forklift imports to Vietnam are expected to maintain growth trends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country produces the most forklifts?
China produces the most forklifts globally, with production reaching 60,010 units in 2024 and projections of 80,430 units by 2030. The country serves both its massive domestic market and exports worldwide.
Are Toyota forklifts made in America?
Yes, Toyota Material Handling has manufactured forklifts in Columbus, Indiana since 1990. The 1,015,843-square-foot facility produces a new forklift every three minutes and is investing $100 million in a new electric forklift manufacturing facility opening in 2026.
What are the top forklift manufacturing companies?
The top manufacturers include Toyota Industries Corporation (Japan), KION Group (Germany), Jungheinrich (Germany), Crown Equipment (USA), Mitsubishi Logisnext (Japan), Hyster-Yale (USA), Anhui Forklift/Heli (China), and Hangcha Group (China).
Do European brands manufacture forklifts outside Europe?
Yes, major European brands like KION (Linde/STILL) and Jungheinrich maintain production facilities in China and have distribution networks globally. Many European brands have established manufacturing in Asia to serve those markets more efficiently.
The global distribution of forklift manufacturing reflects both historical industry development and modern economic realities. While traditional centers in Japan, the United States, and Germany maintain significant production, China has emerged as the world’s largest manufacturing hub. Most major brands now operate multi-country manufacturing strategies, producing forklifts where it makes economic and logistical sense while maintaining quality standards across all facilities.
For buyers, the manufacturing location matters less than the manufacturer’s reputation, local service availability, and specific model features. A Toyota forklift manufactured in Indiana, a Jungheinrich from Germany, or a Heli from China can all provide reliable performance when properly maintained and serviced through established dealer networks.