Yale company history
In the beginning
Yale
was founded in 1844 when Linus Yale Jr. of Connecticut, USA,
invented the pin-tumbler cylinder lock and gave his name
to a range of engineered products synonymous with quality
and durability.
In 1868 Linus Yale was introduced to Henry R. Towne and together they formed the Yale Lock Manufacturing Company, (later to become Yale and Towne Manufacturing Co.), before broadening their scope from locks to materials handling in 1875.
In 1919 Yale and Towne launched a new battery powered low lift platform truck quickly followed by a range of both load and high lift platform trucks, tow tractors and one of the first lifting trucks with tilting forks. Seven years later, Yale and Towne acquired Boge and Kasten, Solingen manufacturers of BKS forklift trucks in Germany. The brand continued to be manufactured by Yale and Towne until 1977.
Innovation
Yale expanded throughout the 1930s and 1940s through the acquisition of competitors, whilst developing innovations such as power steering, centre-control trucks and caster steering. The division also became the first to employ high heat-resistant Class H silicon insulation in electric motors, still considered the industry's finest today.
In 1950, Yale added gas, LP gas and diesel powered forklift trucks to its range, with production of the first counterbalance forklift trucks following two years later. In 1964, there was further innovation when Yale introduced the first Silicone Controlled Rectifier (SCR) - controlled electric forklift truck.
Global expansion
Having traded in Japan for many years, Yale forged a partnership with Sumitomo Ltd in 1969 to produce Yale forklift trucks under licence, later to be named the Sumitomo-Yale Co Ltd.
In 1984, there was further expansion when the Yale Materials Handling Corporation was formed following the acquisition of the company by North American Coal Corporation (NACCO).
Continued growth
Continued development and growth of Yale Materials Handling Ltd in the UK was recognised in 1990 with the Queen's Award for Export Achievement being presented to the company. Then in 1992, Yale Europe Materials Handling was formed to market Yale forklift trucks across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Yale's parent company, NACCO Materials Handling Group became the largest manufacturer of forklift trucks in 1994, shipping over 70,000 units world wide during the year.
The 21st Century
Yale has one of the most comprehensive ranges of electric and engine powered forklift trucks. AC technology electric forklift trucks are innovative, versatile and provide unparalleled productivity, while the Veracitor VX engine powered forklift truck range features leading ergonomic design and innovative styling, with lowest cost of operation, outstanding productivity, market leading serviceability and highly dependable performance.
Global Coverage, Local Presence
The Yale Dealer network has expanded to over 350 dealers in over 62 countries as new Dealers are attracted by Yale's unique blend of product excellence and customer commitment, qualities with which Yale will continue to lead the way in the materials handling industry.
