In 1952, Hyster created its first European plant in Nijmegen, and the first Hyster heavy FLTs were manufactured at the factory in January 1953
An official event was held to open the site in October 1953, attended by a number of dignitaries and more than 500 guests. This celebration saw the Mayor of Nijmegen cut the ribbon at the plant’s gates while riding a Hyster lift truck.
To this day, the Nijmegen plant stands on the same site. However, for the past 30 years and more it has also been the global centre of design, development, and testing for Hyster Big Trucks. This includes the production of heav forklifts, with capacities from 8-48 tonnes, Hyster ECH mast trucks and Hyster RS46 reach stackers, as well as support services for the entire Big Truck range.
The R&D centre in Nijmegen has always been dedicated to the next generation of Big Trucks. In recent years, this has enabled Hyster to introduce a new ergonomic, cockpit-style cabin, available across most big trucks, handle ever more rigorous diesel engine emissions standards, facilitate use of HVO100 biofuel and ZE solutions, covering battery-electric and fuel cell battery-electric drives.
This is a long way from the ‘Karry Kranes’ and FLTs produced in the plant’s first year – mobile equipment based on tractor frames, that may seem primitive by today’s standards.
Key projects include a hydrogen fuel cell battery-powered laden container handler, currently in testing at the Port of Los Angeles, a hydrogen fuel cell battery-powered ECH powered by hydrogen fuel cells for HHLA Hamburg, and a hydrogen fuel cell battery-powered reach stacker that has now been delivered to the Port of Valencia (EU H2PORTS project). I
In addition, Hyster is developing a 100% battery-powered ECH for use by CARU Containers in Rotterdam. Earlier this year, Hyster also previewed a fuel cell battery-electric terminal tractor in development in collaboration with yard truck maker Capacity Trucks.
“The plant in Nijmegen has always aimed to deliver dependable Hyster Big Trucks that meet the needs of tough applications and demanding working conditions,” said Peter van Sommeren, Senior Director Manufacturing and European Parts Ops.
“That we are still here, and still innovating new solutions, 70 years on is testament to the quality of our manufacturing, and to how well we understand our customers’ ever-changing challenges.”
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