Founded by Nestor Lefort in 1947, in Gosselies, Belgium, in a small workshop specializing in the manufacture and maintenance of hydraulic equipment, LEFORT has become a leader in the international scrap metal processing equipment market. In those early days, the first hydraulic pumps capable of producing over 7,300 psi were designed and built. In 1958, Yvon Lefort designed and manufactured the world's first hydraulic crocodile shear. In 1966, the first automatic guillotine shear was born, the GA 700. A few years later, in 1970, Yvon patented the first toggle action compression box, a design very similar to the one still used today in our wraparound boxes. In 1982, Christian Lefort, son of Yvon, grandson of Nestor, designed the first 420 mobile shear. This machine has given birth to an impressive range of mobile machines of all sizes that will revolutionize the world of scrap metal recycling, including our revolutionary, patented "TRAX" crawler machine. Today, LEFORT is in the fourth generation, with Christian Lefort's sons also hard at work at the company every day, a true family legacy!
In 2014, after careful consideration, LEFORT North America was created. While there were several LEFORT machines already in the Americas, dating back decades, the Lefort family felt that it was extremely important to be in a position to be able to provide the North American and Latin American markets with the exceptional service and products that Europe had enjoyed since 1947.
Each and every LEFORT machine is designed and manufactured with the same care, and to the same exacting standards today as have been a hallmark of the LEFORT name since 1947. Furthermore, our commitment to providing the best service in the industry is second to none.
In 2023, LEFORT completed the acquisition of one of our strongest global competitors, Copex in Caudan, France. This acquisition brings together two of the world’s oldest and most advanced scrap shear manufacturing companies, allowing us to bring together all the best technologies and manufacturing abilities of both companies, and the ability to offer a truly unbeatable product line to the LEFORT family of owners!
Our dedicated staff is committed to providing you, the Customer, the best possible ownership experience for the life of your machine. To date, LEFORT has supplied machines to over 4,000 customers worldwide. Every machine offered by LEFORT America is factory fitted with a full machine automatic lube system, as well as a modem which allows our technical staff, both in Florida as well as at the factory in Gosselies, Belgium, to communicate remotely with your machine in order to assist in facilitating diagnostic, repair and maintenance activities. Many of our customers have their machines set up for full-time online connectivity, which further enhances our ability to assist with performance improvements and operational improvement recommendations from time to time.
