1917The first Tructractor was built to haul materials between various departments of CLARK's axle plant. Visitors to the plant were impressed with the practicality of this truck, and asked CLARK to build trucks for them. In 1918, eight Tructractors were built and in 1919 CLARK manufactured and sold over 75 trucks.
1920The Truclift, with capacities from 4,000 to 10,000 lbs. (2000 to 5000 kg.), was the first industrial truck to use hydraulic power as the means of lifting its load.
1923CLARK produced the Duat (do this, do that), the first gas-powered, three-wheel tow tractor with 1,500 lbs. (750 kg.) of drawbar pull capacity.
1924The Duat was used as the foundation of the first gas-powered forklift truck.
1927CLARK produced the first Clarktor, a gas-powered, four-wheel towing tractor with drawbar pull capacities from 2,100 to 12,000 lbs. (1050 to 6000 kg.).
1928The first Tructier was introduced, the forerunner of CLARK's line of modern forklift trucks.
1942CLARK produced the Carloader, the first electric truck capable of working a full shift. Due to wartime restrictions, the product introduction was postponed to 1945.
1941-1945CLARK's output of industrial trucks was just over 500 in 1939. In the four years of World War II, production was approximately 23,500 trucks per year and CLARK's plant was running three shifts a day. CLARK supplied substantially 90 percent of all the government requirements for this type of equipment.
1952First CLARK lift trucks built under license at plant in Mülheim/Ruhr, West Germany.
In the 1950s CLARK was the first lift truck manufacturer to provide operator training programs.
1955CLARK put powershift transmissions on 2,000 to 8,000 lb. (1000 to 4000 kg.) capacity gas trucks for the first time.
1956The first nested I-beam upright was produced by CLARK. This new upright design dramatically improved upright strength and load stability.
1967CLARK was the first manufacturer to provide operator overhead guards as standard equipment on all sit-down rider trucks.
CLARK produced the TW. The first highly maneuverable, three-wheel electric rider truck.
1972CLARK offers the first dual voltage electric trucks. These provided varied performance options based on the demands of the application.
1977New CLARK plant in Mülheim, West Germany is completed.
1982CLARK is the first manufacturer to offer overhead guard rear posts as standard equipment on all stand-up rider forklifts.
1983CLARK pioneers the operator restraint system. A seat with vertical "wings" and a seatbelt was developed to keep operators with the truck in the event of a lateral turnover and was made standard equipment on internal combustion trucks. CLARK also offered a retrofit for all eligible trucks in the field. The patent for this safety innovation was offered to all lift truck manufacturers, royalty-free.
1985Clark expands its production range with the new M-series to a total of 22 models and is awarded "Lift Truck of the Year" by the British Fork Truck Association for the new lift trucks.
1990CLARK is the first lift truck manufacturer to provide the "Employer's Guide to Material Handling Safety" free on every truck.
1993Clark Material Handling Europe presents a new series of hydrostatic driven lift trucks in the 2-3 ton lifting capacity range.
1995The Genesis™ Series is launched. CLARK sets a new industry standard for productivity, reliability and operator comfort in 4,000 to 6,000 lb. (2000 to 3000 kg.) internal combustion trucks. The hydrostatic transmission option on the Genesis is introduced. The "MegaPro" provides customers with high torque and durability for demanding shuttle and high cycle applications.
CLARK Mülheim, Germany plant achieves ISO 9001certification
1996The next generation of high productivity Genesis trucks is introduced in 8,000 to 11,000 lb. (4000 to 5500 kg.) models. Offered with powerful diesel or new V-6 engines and CLARK two-speed powershift transmission, these trucks provide the highest level of productivity in indoor, outdoor, yard and dock applications.
CLARK PowerControl MegaStat lift truck awarded first prize for innovation by the U.K. Fork Truck Association.
1997The big, cushion-tire CGC 40/70 lift truck is introduced, bringing the innovations of Genesis™ design to trucks capable of handling 8,000 to 15,000 lbs. (4000 to 7000 kg.). The 40/70 also introduces CLARK's new severe application cooling system that incorporates independent oil coolers for transmission and engine oil, in addition to the engine coolant radiator. Overhead tilt on 60/70 models improves control of tilt operation for the increased stability needed in the paper and steel industries.
CLARK celebrates its 80th Anniversary and produces its one-millionth Forklift.
1998Purchased Korean manufacturer Samsung. Clark Material Handling Asia was incorporated and a new 312,000-sq. ft. factory was constructed in Changwon, Korea.
CLARK is the first lift truck manufacturer to put a free operator safety video tape on every truck.
1999Built and opened a new state-of-the-art Parts Distribution facility in Louisville, KY and also established parts centers in Europe and Asia.
Released new 1-2 ton IC cushion M-series truck – CMC 15/18/20S
2000Busan Total Distribution Center established
Constructed second plant for exclusive production of electric models TMG/ECG in Asia
2001Released new global model GEN2 series lift trucks. Offers capacities ranging from 4,000 lbs. to 6,500 lbs. in either pneumatic or cushion tire configurations.
Launched electric 3 wheel lift truck TMG series
Launched electric 4 wheel lift truck ECG series
Clark Material Handling Asia becomes Environment Management Systems ISO 14001 certified
2002New EPG 20/30 series electric 4-wheel pneumatic tire lift truck released in Asia and Europe
