The global material handling industry has lost one of its most influential pioneers. Marcel Braud, Honorary Chairman and Founder of Manitou Group, passed away on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at the age of 93. His passing marks the end of an era for a company that grew from a modest family enterprise into a worldwide industrial leader.
Driven by an unwavering passion for innovation and a deep understanding of customer needs, Marcel Braud laid the foundation for Manitou in the 1950s with a simple yet transformative idea: to create material handling solutions tailored to real-world applications. Over the decades, his vision reshaped the industry, positioning Manitou as a global benchmark in forklift trucks, telescopic handlers, aerial work platforms, and earthmoving equipment. He served as Chairman of the Group until 2017, guiding its strategic direction with remarkable foresight.
Under his leadership, Manitou Group expanded its global footprint, built a strong, trusted dealer network, and developed a culture rooted in innovation, entrepreneurship, and customer-centric engineering. Marcel Braud was widely admired for his rare ability to anticipate the evolving needs of professionals and translate them into practical, reliable, high-performance machines.
In an emotional statement, the Braud family paid tribute to his legacy. “My brother dedicated his life to the Manitou Group. Thanks to him, our small family business became an international leader, recognized for its products, values, and innovation. We are losing a visionary, but his entrepreneurial spirit continues to guide our course,” said Jacqueline Himsworth, Chairman of the Board of Directors, joined by Marcel-Claude Braud, Sébastien Braud, and Emilie Braud, members of the Board.
For the global manufacturing and industrial community, Marcel Braud’s legacy extends far beyond machines. He leaves behind a strong institution built on values of innovation, trust, and long-term vision principles that continue to steer Manitou Group’s journey. As the industry mourns his loss, his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence remain deeply embedded in Manitou’s DNA, inspiring generations to come.
