Hyster Logo PNG
Hyster: Brand overview
Hyster, an American company founded in 1929, is known as a manufacturer of forklifts and various material-handling equipment. The company has its roots in Portland, Oregon, but its central manufacturing facility was later relocated to Cleveland, Ohio.
The company’s lineup includes various equipment, including electric and internal combustion forklifts, container handlers, reach stackers, and other specialized warehouse machines. These machines find applications in various industries, including distribution, port operations, and construction.
Hyster is credited with several industry firsts. It introduced the first elevator truck and also pioneered the two-ton forklift.
Hyster has a global manufacturing presence with facilities in the United States, the Netherlands, Brazil, Mexico, Italy, and China. The company employs approximately 6,500 people and supplies products to more than 100 countries worldwide.
In 2013, Hyster became part of Nacco Materials Handling Group Inc. However, the company continues to operate as an autonomous subsidiary while maintaining its brand and business strategy.
In the material-handling equipment market, Hyster is represented by serious competitors such as Toyota, Kion, Hangcha, and Crown Equipment. However, Hyster has maintained its position in the industry for over 90 years, solidifying its position as a leader in forklifts and warehouse equipment. In 2022, the company celebrated this long legacy of innovation and quality.
Meaning and History
What is Hyster?
This is a lifting and material handling equipment manufacturer, specializing in forklifts and machinery for moving goods. The company began operations in the United States and, over time, became known in the international market for the reliability and functionality of its products.
Old
before 2005
2005 – today
The Hyster logo has a strict, functional graphic language that reflects the company’s industrial identity. At the center of the composition are two opposing arrows—one pointing up, the other down—representing lifting and lowering, the core operations of Hyster’s material-handling equipment. These simple geometric arrows emphasize precision, structure, and efficiency.
In each corner, square shapes evoke the image of cargo containers or boxes, visually referencing storage and transport. These block-like elements resemble construction units or toy bricks, bringing a sense of order, modularity, and balanced composition to the design.
The primary color scheme—yellow and black—draws from the high-visibility markings commonly used on industrial machinery and safety equipment. The bright yellow grabs attention and signals active work zones, while the black provides contrast, helping define forms and reinforce clarity in both symbols and text.
The company name dominates the composition and is set in an italicized typeface that conveys motion and forward direction. Notably, the “E” features a rounded shape that softens the otherwise angular typography, while the “Y” resembles an inverted bicycle fork, subtly referencing mechanics, movement, and engineered components. These forms inject a hint of playfulness into the otherwise industrial aesthetic, reminiscent of tricks in BMX or skateboarding—small nods to control, balance, and motion.
The name “Hyster” is derived from the word hoister, clearly referring to the brand’s core function: lifting and transporting heavy loads. Its short, punchy form suits an industrial context well, reinforcing clarity and purpose.
The logo is built from straightforward shapes and lines, resulting in a functional yet visually balanced design. It combines geometric order with a bold, high-contrast color palette to reflect the brand’s precision, strength, and reliability in heavy-duty equipment.