Building the Future, Rooted in History.
At Manitou Group, we don’t just build machines; we set the world in motion. With a history in the United States dating back to 1859, our North American operations combine the agility of a global leader with the heart of a local manufacturer. From our headquarters in West Bend, Wisconsin, to our production facilities in South Dakota and Illinois, our teams design and build the iconic Manitou & Gehl brands that power the construction, agriculture, and industrial worlds. We offer the scale of an international corporation with the collaborative feel of a family-owned business.
We believe that our people are our greatest strength. We foster a culture of initiative and team spirit, where every employee is empowered to be an “actor of change.” As we transition toward low-carbon solutions and smart technology, we are looking for passionate individuals to help us lead the way in sustainable material handling. At Manitou Group, you aren’t just taking a job—you’re helping build a safer, more productive world.
We value passion, reliability, and commitment. In return, we provide a work environment that encourages personal growth, professional mobility, and a healthy work-life balance. Whether you’re an experienced engineer or a student looking for your first internship, Manitou North America provides the runway you need to succeed.
Information on Manitou Group Achievements
- 3 years recognized as Best Place to Work by the Milwaukee Business Journal
- 2022 Large Business of the Year by West Bend Area Chamber of Commerce – West Bend, WI
- 2023 Manufacturer of the Year by Madison Chamber of Commerce – Madison, SD
Benefits
Joining the Manitou Group team is more than a job – it’s a career that rewards performance, offers endless professional development and growth opportunities and provides comprehensive benefits that promote wellbeing and financial security for you and your family.
Benefit Highlights Include :
- Comprehensive and high value medical, dental and vision plans
- A unique wellness incentive
- A 401(k) with an outstanding company match
- Financial and retirement planning services at no cost to our employees
- Company paid life and AD&D Insurance
- Company paid Short-Term Disability
- Voluntary Benefits including supplemental life, long-term disability, critical illness and accident coverage
- Company paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Paid Time Off
- 10 Company Paid Holidays & 2 Floating Holidays
- Volunteer Time Off with Pay
- …and MORE!!!
Internal engagment
Employee Committee
Our mission is to support employees and our local communities to reach their full potential through events that connect, entertain, inform, and inspire.
The Employee Committee creates and promotes events focused on three facets; employee wellness, community outreach, and employee engagement
By supporting both local and national organizations, we aim to make a positive impact on our communities. Some of the organizations we support include:
- Habitat for Humanity,
- Volunteer Center,
- Red Cross,
- Veteran Organizations,
- Food Drives for Local Shelters,
- United Way,
- Humane Society,
- Local schools,
- Gingerbread House,
- Local blood banks,
- Yankton Food for Thought,
- Keep Yankton Beautiful,
- Local food pantries,
- Local shelters for women and children
- Boys & Girls Club
- YMCA
- Riveredge Nature Preserve
We encourage employees to live a healthy lifestyle and connect through various events focused on well-being and engagement. Some of these events include:
- Walking Challenges,
- Mental Wellness Initiatives,
- Lunch & Learn sessions,
- On-site Fitness Center,
- Cook-off/Potlucks,
- Food Trucks,
- Sports Tournaments,
- Group Outings,
- Chair Massages,
- Internal recycling program,
- Health-based awareness campaigns
CSR
Corporate Philanthropy
Manitou Group proudly supports various organizations in the communities in which we live and work through corporate donations, sponsorships and volunteering efforts. We offer our employees paid Volunteer Time Off, encouraging them to participate not only in company sponsored events but also to give their time to organizations they are passionate about. Manitou Group recognizes that participating in these activities will help to enrich and inspire the lives of our employees while also giving back to the community.
In 2025, Manitou North America had 120 individuals contribute 1,463 volunteer hours.
In 2025, Manitou received the Volunteerism in Business award through the Volunteer Center of Washington County (West Bend).
Our Nomination:
“I am proud to nominate Manitou Group for the “Volunteerism in Business Award” in recognition of their outstanding leadership and commitment to social responsibility. The Volunteer Center has seen firsthand the impact of Manitou Group’s employees, having partnered with over 120 of their employees who’ve volunteered to tackle major projects that served numerous nonprofits throughout Washington County. Organizations like Riveredge Nature Center, Blue Lotus, Habitat for Humanity, and many others have directly benefited from Manitou Group’s amazing employees.
Manitou Group is a truly inspiring organization, setting a high standard for community engagement. A heartfelt thank you to Manitou Group’s leadership for empowering employees to share their time and talent and thank you to the employees themselves for ensuring their efforts create meaningful impacts in our communities. Your collective efforts are nothing short of outstanding! Thank you for all you do!”
-Colleen Mayer, Executive Director Volunteer Center of Washington County
Corporate Giving
Employee / Non-Profit Testimonial
