Manitou Group has paid tribute to Marcel Braud, its honorary chairman and the founder of the Manitou forklift, who has passed away, aged 93.

Braud was driven by a passion for innovation and served as chairman of Manitou Group until 2017. During his tenure, he is credited with transforming a family business into a global benchmark for materials handling equipment.

Braud started as a labourer with the family business at the age of 13, where he worked alongside his mother following the death of his father.

In 1958 he changed the world of materials handling when, as Manitou describes it, “he imagined the improbable: inverting the layout of a farm tractor to add a lifting mast and power steering”.

Under his leadership, the company expanded beyond French borders to export worldwide, went public, continued innovation and built a robust dealer network.

Ever-passionate about his work, Braud continued to regularly visit the group's factories and international trade shows through early 2026 to stay in contact with customers and employees.

Jacqueline Himsworth, chairman of the board of directors of Manitou Group says her brother dedicated his life to the company. 

“Thanks to him, our small family business became an international leader, recognised for its products, values, and innovation,” Himsworth continues. 

“He was a passionate man who shared his energy and pride in belonging to our group with everyone. He possessed that rare genius for anticipating the needs of professionals.

“We are losing a visionary, but his entrepreneurial spirit continues to guide our course.”