The Manitou Group is again in mourning with the passing of chair of the board Jacqueline Himsworth, at the age of 82.

This follows the death in February of founder of the Manitou forklift, and Himsworth’s brother, Marcel Braud in February at age 93.

In remembering her, Manitou Group states Himsworth’s life is one of “an extraordinary family destiny”.

She was 13-months-old when her father died. As she grew, Himsworth watched her mother Andrée Braud single-handedly pursue her late husband's industrial project of manufacturing cranes and concrete mixers.

Himsworth built her own business, Braud Nutrition Animale in Ancenis, while also working alongside her brother to develop the family business Braud & Faucheux, which became Manitou BF in 1981. 

She took on the role of chair of the board of directors of Manitou Group in 2017 where, the business states, “she embodied a balanced governance, ensuring the preservation of the company’s DNA while combining technological innovation with a human-centric approach”.

Thinking about the legacy of the business, Himsworth worked to support the emergence of the next generation within the board of directors to prepare for the future, ensuring the continuity of the family legacy and the strategic stability of the group. 

“Jacqueline Himsworth carried within her this wisdom combined with absolute conviction,” says Michel Denis, president and CEO of Manitou Group. “She constantly reminded us that we could conquer the world without ever forgetting our values and our commitment to the men and women who make up the group today. 

“Her vision, commitment, foresight, and kindness will remain at the heart of our culture.

“Jacqueline Himsworth passes away leaving a solid group, supported by a generational transition already actively engaged in the company's governance to ensure its sustainability.”

Manitou Group’s board of directors will meet in coming days to implement initiatives which ensure continuity of governance.