Private company

Clark Material Handling Company

Logo: Clark Material Handling Company, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons3

American forklift truck manufacturer

Clark Material Handling Company (CMHC), also known as CLARK or CLARK the Forklift, is an American manufacturer of forklift trucks based in Dallas, Texas. The company has manufacturing facilities in Changwon, South Korea, Lexington, Kentucky, Qingdao, China, and Hanoi, Vietnam. CLARK currently (2023) offers one of the broadest product lines in the industry, with products covering all five forklift classes, ranging from hand pallet jacks to 18,000 pound-capacity sit down forklifts.2 It was founded by Eugene Clark.1 It is part of Young An Hat Company.1 Wikipedia text CC BY-SA 4.0

Last updated Oct 21, 2026.

Overview

1917Founded1
Clark CY100PD vr
Photo: Norbert Schnitzler, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons5

Clark Material Handling Company (CMHC), also known as CLARK or CLARK the Forklift, is an American manufacturer of forklift trucks based in Dallas, Texas. The company has manufacturing facilities in Changwon, South Korea, Lexington, Kentucky, Qingdao, China, and Hanoi, Vietnam. CLARK currently (2023) offers one of the broadest product lines in the industry, with products covering all five forklift classes, ranging from hand pallet jacks to 18,000 pound-capacity sit down forklifts.2

Corporate structure

Clark Material Handling Company is part of a group headed by Young An Hat Company. 3 entities, 2 countries on record. Switch between the flow chart and the network, and select any entity to see its details.

Built from subsidiaries, stakes and holdings from Wikidata (CC0); major holders from Schedules 13D and 13G. Each entity in the chart links to its source.

The story

Founded by Eugene Clark in 1917.1

In 1994, the Genesis model line of four-wheel internal combustion cushion and pneumatic-tire fork lifts was introduced. The Genesis featured a rubber isolated operator cell to improve operator comfort and set new industry standards for productivity and reliability.

In 1997, Clark built its one millionth forklift.

In 1999, Clark Aftermarket Parts Depot in Louisville, Kentucky, was opened.

in 2003, Clark Material Handling Company was acquired by Young An Hat Company, headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. They also acquired CLARK Material Handling Asia.

In 2006, Production of stand-up electric fork lift trucks moved to the CLARK Material Handling Company facility in Lexington, Kentucky.

In 2014, the Raising Hope program was created, a consolidation of philanthropic efforts for the company. Along with providing financial support to local community organizations, CLARK provides 12 hours of Volunteer Paid Time Off for every employee, to allow them to serve their community.

In 2019, CLARK opened a factory in Vietnam. The OSQ, a 24-volt working platform vehicle, was introduced. The HWXE/PWXE was introduced. The facilities at its North American corporate headquarters are expanded in Lexington, Kentucky, adding a third facility to the company's manufacturing operation. The CLARK product certification course is opened. This course is designed to validate and test new products and components.

2021, The WPL40 lithium-ion walkie pallet stacker is introduced. With a 4,000-pound capacity, the ability to opportunity charge, and built-in safety features, the WPL40 is the perfect option for trucking and 3PL customers. The SE15-25T is introduced.

From Wikipedia’s article on Clark Material Handling Company, shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.4

Leadership

Who has led Clark Material Handling Company, and when. Pick a name to see everywhere that person has worked.

Products and brands

  • forklift

Listed on Wikidata.1

The Clark company has factories in South Korea, China, Vietnam, and Lexington, Kentucky.

From Wikipedia’s article on Clark Material Handling Company, shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.4

Subsidiaries and ownership

Parent company

Former owners and parents

From Wikidata.1

Timeline

  1. 2003Acquired Acquired by Young An Hat Company1
  2. 1919Acquired Acquired by Clark Equipment Company1
  3. 1917Founded Founded1

Funding

Where the company's money came from, by calendar year: private offerings filed with the SEC, federal grants, loans, contracts and other assistance from USAspending.gov, and PPP loans from the SBA. Each bar links to the records below.

Money received by year$3.6M 2020–2020
Money received by yearMoney received by year, 2020–2020: $3.6M in all. PPP loans $3.6M.$0$1M$2M$3M$4M2020 · PPP loans: $3.6M2020
Figures by year
YearPPP loansTotal
2020$3.6M$3.6M

PPP loans

Paycheck Protection Program loans of $150,000 and up, approved April 2020 to July 2021, from the SBA6. Matched to this company by name and state.

  1. Apr 27, 2020$3.6M PPP loan (first draw) from PNC Bank, National Association6To CLARK MATERIAL HANDLING CO, Lexington KY; $3.6M forgiven May 28, 2021