Our history

2023

• We launched our latest innovation: the 360° photo studio
  As pioneers in the forklift industry, we are the first to deploy this groundbreaking 360° photo studio: a gateway to unprecedented possibilities. Where previously only the outside was visible, we can now show the machines from all sides. Our studio offers a unique experience that pushes boundaries and gives a deeper insight into the power and precision of these machines.
• Celebrating Anton's 55-Years of Service
  We are delighted to honour Anton Lisman for his incredible 55-year commitment and dedication to our company. As a tribute, Anton will be given a special place on our 'history wall' in B Hall, where his contribution to our organisation will be immortalised forever.
• Seamless Integration: Digital testing
  In 2023, innovation is key and we are busy improving our processes. One of the innovations is the implementation of digital testing, where the test report is linked directly to the machine. This allows our Area Managers to see the status of the machine at a glance and serve our customers even better.

2020

• The Corona pandemic hits hard the whole world
  Considering the big impact on the Asian market and on the maritime transport sector, Lisman makes the rightful decision to close his branch in Malaysia. All the sales activities are relocated to the headquarters in the Netherlands where the business development team can again take great care of the customers.

2017

• Milestone: The 50th Anniversary
  Lisman reached an important milestone: the 50th anniversary since the company was founded in 1967! This special year is marked by some memorable achievements. We released a special anniversary book with a brief history of Lisman, surprised our most valued partners with a Helly Hansen® jacket as a present and organised two ‘anniversary days’ in April for our customers. In June there was a fantastic party in Rotterdam for all the present and former employees of Lisman. The company grows further: Lisman in the meanwhile sells more than 6.000 machines on a yearly basis. The international team of more than 60 co-workers speaks 15 languages. We started several projects to improve our internal processes and IT, all to increase the customer satisfaction.

2016

• Bob joins the board of directors
  As a natural consequence of many years of great work and cooperation with Koen and Anton, Bob joins the board of directors.

2009

• Lisman builds its third business property (the B-hall)
  Jos Lisman and Gert Versteeg leave the company to enjoy retirement. Lisman builds its third business property (the B-hall) close to the two other premises in IJsselstein. The new building contains 7.000 m2 floor space with a covered storage capacity of 6.000 m2, including loft space and an industrial lift to access, a novelty in the industry. This provides Lisman with its third showroom.

2008

• Gert Versteeg leaves the board
  Gert Versteeg leaves the board of directors and Bob Backers joins Lisman as Operations Manager. Prior to this Bob worked in various logistics and financial functions at Shell and Ahold.

1999

• Koen lisman (son of Jos) joins the company
  Koen Lisman (son of Jos) joins the company and sets up a separate purchasing department. Prior to this, three years following on from his studies in Business Administration, Koen provided commercial management to Rentpower in Utrecht, importer of GS and Fiamm traction batteries, which was formerly part of the family company.

1995

• Lisman expands its purchasing strategy
  Lisman expands its purchasing strategy and, as well as the purchasing of used machines in Asia, actively focuses on purchasing surplus machine fleets from OEMs within the European Union

1986

• Lift truck news is developed
  After small-scale editions by direct mail, ‘Lift truck News’ is developed. Lisman periodically starts to send full colour mailings around the world, targeting the purchasing profile of international dealers.

1985

• Lisman buys from Sweden
  Lisman buys a sizeable number of heavy machines from Sweden, which there appears to be great demand for in other parts of the world. This deal lays the financial basis for the company expansion which is to follow. More and more investments are made in supplying machines from Japan which are primarily sold on in Europe.

1977

• Lisman invest in gigantic IBM computer
  Lisman makes, as it appears later, a strategic investment in a gigantic IBM computer. This makes Lisman the first European trading company to build an up-to-date database of the global lift truck market by brand interest. Partly thanks to this information, purchasing opportunities are created from early insights into importers’ and dealers’ surplus equipment. Based on this marketing information, Lisman can also observe where and when there is demand for which type of machines.

1968

• Anton Lisman junior joins
  Anton Lisman junior (current Managing Director and co-shareholder at Lisman Forklift Trucks) joins the company after completing IVA Automobile School in Driebergen.