Hyster’s an Octogenarian

June 17, 2009
GREENVILLE, NC—This year marks the 80th that Hyster Co. has been a designer and manufacturer of lift trucks. Fast fact: The company name is a reference to laborers shouting, “Hoist ’er!” when a load was ready to be lifted.

GREENVILLE, NC—This year marks the 80th that Hyster Co. has been a designer and manufacturer of lift trucks. Fast fact: The company name is a reference to laborers shouting, “Hoist ’er!” when a load was ready to be lifted.


From introducing a smaller lift truck in 1941 and moving into the container handling market in 1959, Hyster now offers 130 models of lift trucks configured for gasoline, LPG, diesel or electric power, with the capacities ranging from 2,000- 15,000-pounds.

The company’s most recent model introduction is its E45-70XN, a totally electric, AC product aimed at providing greater energy efficiency and productivity capabilities. Hyster also pursues commercial development of alternate energy sources, including lithium ion battery technology, advanced energy storage devices and hydrogen fuel cells.

Reflecting on the company’s birthday, its president, Paul Laroia, says, “Since 1929, Hyster Company has aimed to provide the best products and support to meet the material handling needs of our customers, Today, 80 years later, we remain as committed as ever to maintaining and meeting that same goal.”