The birth of the Fork-Lift Division at OM.
The establishment of the Fork-Lift Division at OM marked a significant milestone. OM, an adept engineering company, was attuned to the technological advancements in material movement mechanization within factories or warehouses. Among the notable innovations was the fork-lift truck, initially introduced in the United States during the 1920s and later adopted in Europe post-WWII. Italy, in particular, embraced this technology in the aftermath of the war.
In response to demands from OM management and Fiat factories, OM initiated fork-lift truck production in 1951. The initial models, identified as K41 and K51, were electric-powered three-wheelers, featuring distinct lifting mechanisms. These were produced under a French license from Fenwick, which, in turn, had acquired licenses from Yale in the United States. The fork-lift trucks quickly gained prominence, replacing traditional hand-carts due to their strength and versatility.
The nomenclature of the vehicles included an “E” suffix for electric models and “D” or “B” for internal combustion engines (diesel or petrol). Additional letters denoted transmission options, and a numerical value indicated the payload in quintals.
Technical and production developments in the 1960s.
Throughout the 1960s, OM Forklift Trucks Ltd became a leader in the sector, expanding its product range in response to growing market demands. Technological developments, especially in the lifting frame, were a focal point of the Research and Development efforts. By 1967, OM became an integral part of the Fiat Commercial Vehicle Group.
The OM factory at Bari in the 1970s.
In the 1970s, OM faced challenges such as labor disputes and an economic recession. Despite these difficulties, a new factory in Bari was established, emphasizing the production of electric forklift trucks. OM maintained its position as a major forklift truck manufacturer in Europe.
In 1975, OM underwent a title change, becoming part of “Fiat Forklift Trucks, a Division of the IVECO Group.” Despite various changes, OM continued to introduce innovations, such as electronic gear control systems and advanced forklift models. Collaborations with other companies and strategic agreements further enriched OM’s product offerings.
From Milan to Bari via France, Technology and design in the 1980s and 1990s.
The 1980s and 1990s saw production changes, including the transfer of internal combustion engine forklift trucks to France temporarily. Innovations in electric power systems, asynchronous motors, and electronic control systems marked this period. Linde’s increasing involvement in OM eventually led to the acquisition of the remaining shares from Fiat in 2003, resulting in the company’s transformation into “OM Forklift Trucks Ltd.” The subsequent amalgamation of OM and STILL forklift trucks ranges under the OM STILL name further solidified their presence in the market.