We’re dedicated to delivering world-class service

We are one of North America’s largest equipment dealership platforms—delivering solutions in material handling and construction.

Since 1984, Alta® has steadily grown into one of North America’s largest and most trusted integrated equipment dealership platforms. With a footprint that spans over 80 locations, we proudly serve as your comprehensive, one-stop partner for material handling, construction, and electric vehicle solutions. Our expansive network, deep industry expertise, and strong manufacturer partnerships allow us to support a wide range of industries with best-in-class equipment, innovative technology, and unmatched service.

At Alta, we’re dedicated to delivering world-class service that sets us apart—because building lasting customer relations is our mission. Whether you're looking to purchase new or used equipment, schedule service, rent machinery, or explore the latest advancements in automation and electrification, we’re here to provide tailored solutions designed to meet your specific needs. From first contact to long-term support, our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional value, reliability, and peace of mind at every step of your journey.

To be the recognized leader in all markets we serve.

More than an equipment company, Alta is an innovator of solutions, delivering diverse products and unrivaled support centered on building lasting customer relationships.

  • Invest In The Best
  • Passion For Excellence
  • Mutual Respect
  • One Team
  • Customers For Life

History of Alta

1984 - 2009
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1984 - 2009

1984 - Founded

Steve Greenawalt established Yale Material Handling – Michigan, LLC in the Detroit area, creating the foundation for the company’s future expansion as Alta.

1992 - Expanding West

Alta acquired Lakeshore Material Handling, a Yale dealer in western Michigan, extending coverage into Grand Rapids and Muskegon. 

1994 - Strengthening the Center

The acquisition of Tri-City Material Handling expanded service into Saginaw, Bay City, and Midland, strengthening Alta’s reach in Michigan’s industrial belt. 

2000 - Powering Up

Alta added Ideal Battery, broadening its capabilities to include industrial batteries and chargers for complete material handling solutions. 

2002 - Diversifying with Two Acquisitions

  • Elwell Parker: Brought expertise in heavy-duty electric lift trucks.
  • Clarklift: Added a strong customer base and respected brand.

These moves expanded Alta’s product offering and market reach.

2002 - Expanding Statewide

Alta acquired Michigan Industrial Forklift, adding more Yale coverage and new service locations, solidifying its position as Michigan’s leading provider.

2005 - 2010
2005-2010
2005 - 2010

2005 - Expanding as a Yale Dealer

With the acquisition of Quality Material Handling, Alta reinforced its presence in western Michigan, building on its strength as a trusted Yale dealer in the region.

2009 - Strengthening the Home Market

Alta acquired Detroit Forklift, boosting sales, service, parts, leasing, and rental capabilities in the Detroit metro area and cementing its dominance in its home market.

2009 - Adding Hyster to the Portfolio

Alta purchased Mid-State Industrial Services in Eaton Rapids, bringing Hyster forklifts into its lineup for the first time and extending coverage into western Michigan and northern Indiana. 

2009 - First Step Beyond Michigan

In December, Alta entered the Chicago market with the acquisition of Aurora Lift-Truck Services, a Komatsu dealer based in Montgomery, Illinois—marking its first out-of-state location. 

2010 - Chicago Market Expansion

Alta acquired the assets of United Lift Truck, a Hyster dealer, further strengthening its presence in the Chicago market and broadening its Midwest footprint. 

2010 - Expanding into Construction

Through the acquisition of Wolverine Tractor & Equipment, Michigan’s Volvo Construction dealer, Alta added construction equipment to its portfolio and became a statewide source for both construction and material handling solutions.

2011 - 2018
2011-2018
2011 - 2018

2011 - Expanding in Chicagoland

Alta broadened its presence in the Chicago market with the acquisition of Galaxy Lift Inc., a south-side suburban dealership, further enhancing its Yale® coverage and customer base in the region. 

2012 - Statewide Dual-Brand Coverage

With the acquisition of Great Lakes Forklifts, a Hyster® dealer in eastern Michigan, Alta became a dual-brand Yale® and Hyster® dealer across the entire state. 

2013 - Expanding Michigan Operations

Alta acquired the assets of Evans Equipment Co., a contractor rental and supply business in Burton, Michigan, further broadening its customer base and service capabilities.

2017 - Establishing Yale® in Northern Chicagoland

Alta acquired YES Equipment & Services, a respected material handling dealer. This move strengthened its Midwest footprint and made Alta the authorized Yale® dealer for northern Chicagoland, covering Cook, DuPage, Lake, and Kane counties. 

2018 - Building Construction Equipment Strength

Through the acquisition of Elite Heavy Equipment Services, a leading Illinois CE service provider, Alta expanded its Chicago-area presence in construction and earthmoving machinery, enhancing after-sales capabilities to support major infrastructure projects.

2019 - 2020
2019-2020 image
2019 - 2020

2019 - Entering the Northeast

Alta made a major leap into the Northeastern U.S. with the acquisition of NITCO, a premier Hyster and Yale dealership serving all New England. This marked a significant step in expanding beyond the Midwest.

2020 - Transformational Growth Across the U.S.

Alta accelerated nationwide expansion through a series of major acquisitions: 

  • Liftech Equipment Company – Strengthened Hyster/Yale coverage in upstate NY & VT.
  • Flagler Construction Equipment – Became the exclusive Volvo CE dealer in Florida.
  • Martin Implement – Added CE coverage in Chicago (New Holland, Toro).
  • PeakLogix – Expanded into warehouse automation. 
  • HILO Equipment & Services – Expanded Hyster/Yale coverage across the New York metro, NYC, and Long Island markets.
  • Howell Tractor & Equipment – Expanded CE operations in Illinois & northwest Indiana (Volvo, Link-Belt).
  • Vantage Equipment – Strengthened Volvo CE presence in upstate NY.

2020 - Alta Goes Public

In 2020, Alta reached a defining moment in its history—becoming a publicly traded company under Alta Equipment Group Inc. (NYSE: ALTG). This move provided new growth capital, increased market visibility, and strengthened Alta’s position as a leading, multi-brand equipment dealership group serving customers nationwide.
 
The transaction officially closed on February 14, 2020, and Alta began trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “ALTG.”

2021 - 2025
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2021 - 2025

2021 - Strengthening Mining & Aggregates

Alta acquired Midwest Mine Supply, enhancing support for heavy construction and mining equipment. This move expanded capabilities in parts, service, and equipment solutions for the mining and aggregates sector. 

2022 - Launch of Alta eMobility

On November 10, 2022, Alta Equipment Group launched its Alta eMobility business, providing turnkey fleet electrification solutions. This move marked a major expansion of Alta’s product offerings, positioning the company to enter new markets beyond traditional material handling and construction equipment by delivering complete eFleet solutions to customers transitioning to electric-powered operations. 

2022 - First International Expansion

Alta entered the Canadian market with the acquisition of Yale Industrial Trucks, Inc., a privately held Yale® dealership operating four locations across the provinces of Ontario and Quebec. This milestone expanded Alta’s Material Handling operations beyond the United States for the first time. 

2022 - Entering Environmental Solutions

Alta acquired Ecoverse Industries, a leader in recycling, composting, and waste processing equipment. With exclusive access to premium brands like Doppstadt, Backhus, and Tiger DePack, Alta added a new environmental growth vertically focused on sustainability markets. 

2023 - Expanding in Northern Illinois

Through the acquisition of Burris Equipment, a CASE Construction dealer with three Illinois locations, Alta strengthened its rental, new, and used CE offerings while gaining decades of local market expertise. 

2023 - Strengthening Construction in Canada

Alta acquired Ault Industries, a leading distributor of crushing, screening, and aggregate equipment for brands like McCloskey, Lippmann, Superior and Ecoverse. This move expanded Alta’s Construction Equipment coverage across Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes, while securing exclusive access to the industry's top OEMs. 

2024 - Greenfield Expansion in Pennsylvania

Alta launched CASE Power Equipment Pennsylvania, becoming an authorized CASE dealer in the region. This expansion provided direct access to the Pennsylvania construction market and advanced Alta’s strategy to grow CASE coverage in the Northeast. 

2025 - Growing in Quebec

Alta acquired CEQ, a Quebec City–based dealership, further strengthening its Material Handling presence in Quebec and solidifying its Canadian footprint. 

Our Businesses

We are an industry-leading material handling and construction equipment company. We sell, service and rent a broad range of equipment.

Alta News & Announcements

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