Lift truck designer and manufacturer Hyster Company, Greenville, N.C., celebrates its 80th year of manufacturing this year. Born when Willamette Iron & Steel, originally a lumber carrier manufacturer, merged with two other companies in 1929 to form a new company named Williamette Ersted, the company name was eventually changed to Hyster Company, a reference to laborers shouting “Hoist ’er!” when a load was ready to be lifted.
“Since 1929, Hyster Company has aimed to provide the best products and support to meet the material handling needs of our customers,” said Hyster president Paul Laroia. “Today, 80 years later, we remain as committed as ever to maintaining and meeting that same goal.”
Since introducing a smaller lift truck in 1941 and moving into the container handling market in 1959, Hyster Company now offers 130 models of lift trucks configured for gasoline, LPG, diesel, or electric power, with the widest capacity range in the industry – 2,000 lb to 115,000 lb. This year, Hyster Company introduced the E45-70XN, a totally electric, AC product that provides superior energy efficiency and outstanding productivity capabilities.
The company continues to pursue the commercial development of alternate energy sources, including lithium ion battery technology, advanced energy storage devices, and hydrogen fuel cells. Through its dealer network, touted as one of the largest in the industry, Hyster offers customers access to a parts availability program, operator training, and product customization for special applications.
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