Manitou BF S.A. is a French holding company specializing in the design, manufacture, and distribution of equipment primarily for construction, agriculture, and industrial sectors. Its core product portfolio includes rough-terrain telehandlers (fixed and rotating); rough-terrain forklifts; on-board trucks; aerial work platforms including scissor lifts and articulated platforms; industrial and semi-industrial forklifts; truck-mounted forklifts; warehousing equipment; skid-steers; track loaders; articulated loaders; and backhoe loaders. Additionally, the company provides a comprehensive range of services such as spare parts sales, maintenance contracts, extended warranties, fleet management solutions, machine training services, financing solutions, and offers a selection of second-hand equipment. The group's operations span globally, with significant market presence in Southern Europe, Northern Europe, the Americas, and Asia-Pacific, supported by a network of dealers covering 140 countries. Manitou BF S.A. was founded in 1957 and is headquartered in Ancenis, France.
Recent significant developments include the acquisition of the robotics division of French engineering company Sitia in 2025, positioning robotics as a key element of Manitou's LIFT strategic roadmap aimed at advancing high value-added solutions especially for agricultural and semi-industrial applications. This acquisition brought a team of recognized experts and intellectual property in autonomous robotics, enhancing Manitou's innovation capabilities in automation and smart technologies. In 2024 and 2025, Manitou also expanded its geographic footprint and product offerings through acquisitions such as stakes in Italian companies Come S.R.L and Metal Work S.R.L and a major assets deal with South African dealer Dezzo Equipment, strengthening supply chain integration and regional service capacity. The company has further invested in electrification by launching new electric telehandler models and advancing lithium-ion battery technologies through strategic partnerships, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and performance enhancement. Manufacturing operations include 10 plants worldwide, with recent expansions including a welding site in France and a production facility upgrade in the United States.
Manitou BF operates within the industrial goods sector focused on heavy machinery and vehicles, targeting construction, agricultural, and industrial customers requiring specialized material handling and earthmoving equipment. Its broad product range and integrated services aim to improve operational efficiency, safety, and environmental impact. The company reported net sales close to €2.7 billion in 2024, driven by product sales and an expanding service portfolio. Manitou continues to emphasize research and development investments to maintain technological leadership in handling, lifting, and aerial work platforms across international markets.