Hyster Logo PNG
Hyster, an American company founded in 1929, manufactures forklifts and other material-handling equipment. The company was founded in Portland, Oregon, but later moved its central manufacturing facility to Cleveland, Ohio.
The company’s lineup includes 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 global manufacturing 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 faces strong competition from Toyota, Kion, Hangcha, and Crown Equipment. However, Hyster has maintained its position for over 90 years, solidifying its leadership in forklifts and warehouse equipment. In 2022, the company celebrated this long legacy of innovation and quality.
Meaning and History
What is Hyster?
Hyster manufactures lifting and material-handling equipment, specializing in forklifts and other machinery for moving goods. The company began operating in the United States and, over time, became known internationally for its reliable, functional 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 cargo containers or boxes, visually referencing storage and transport. These block-like elements resemble construction units or toy bricks, adding order, modularity, and balance.
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 italic typeface that conveys motion and forward momentum. Notably, the rounded “E” softens the otherwise angular typography, while the “Y” resembles an inverted bicycle fork, subtly referencing mechanics, movement, and engineered components. These forms add a hint of playfulness to the otherwise industrial aesthetic, reminiscent of BMX or skateboarding tricks, small nods to control, balance, and motion.
The name “Hyster” comes from the word hoister, clearly referencing 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 uses straightforward shapes and lines to create 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.