Hoist Liftruck

Hoist Liftruck gives BOSS Magazine an exclusive look into the company’s operations.

In 1980, Marty Flaska started Forklift Exchange from his house in the western suburbs of Chicago, specializing in buying, selling, and renting material handling equipment. It is from these humble beginnings that Hoist Liftruck was founded.

The company grew quickly in the ’80s, becoming the preferred vendor for high-capacity cushion-tire forklifts for the automotive, steel, and aluminum industries. Hoist Liftruck further solidified its position as a top U.S. material handling equipment manufacturer through acquisitions of Silent Hoist and Crane and later Elwell-Parker and Autolift.

Although the company is has become a leader in the industry, Jentry Prine, Director of Marketing, shared that Hoist Liftruck is committed to its roots.

“Unlike some of the big names in the industry, Hoist Liftruck is a small family-owned business. Many employees have been with Marty since the inception of Hoist and have brought their own relatives into the fold. Everyone knows one another in both the office and manufacturing facilities, creating a welcoming, friendly environment that people want to be a part of.

“We strive to create a workplace that is not only efficient, but also accessible. Our customers can interact directly with members of all of the various departments and this interaction is often not limited to work hours or work days. Our customers are part of the extended Hoist family and are our first priority.”

Customer service doesn’t end when a truck is purchased, either. With an ingrained culture of accessibility, customers can always reach a Hoist employee, whether it be sales, service, or engineering. Most customers are on a first name basis with many of the staff and even have their personal cell phone numbers.

“Hoist listens to both our existing customer’s feedback, as well as feedback from prospective customers, and maintains these relationships through ongoing dialogue with our staff,” said Prine. “Our ability to identify and quickly engineer solutions to any operational/procedural problems they may be experiencing sets us apart from many of our competitors. Being a small business, our agility is one of our biggest strengths.”

The company’s commitment to its customers both big and small drives its focus on many ever-changing markets. As industries like oil and gas, steel, and wind power continue to grow, the need for high-capacity liftrucks continues to increase. Growth will be inevitable going forward for Hoist Liftruck as well, and the company is ready for it.

“Believe in what you’re doing and be accountable for it. Don’t be afraid to take risks and make tough decisions. Surround yourself with quality people, share your vision with them, and empower them to execute that vision.” CEO Marty Flaska

Hoist Liftruck is also dedicated to bringing products to underserved markets like its Neptune Series did for the marina market and the new FR series is for the rigging industry. These products were designed not only to compete in those markets, but to offer improved features and lead times, and a higher level of service than these industry segments previously experienced.

Hoist also takes great pride in maintaining an exceptional work environment for its employees. To ensure the safety of its employees, customers, and the environment—and to ensure Hoist meets all OSHA standards—all Hoist employees must undergo thorough training. The company offers many different training courses ranging from hazard communication training to spill prevention and control training.

Hoist’s products are held to exacting standards as well.

“All Hoist products are designed, built, and tested in accordance with the latest regulatory standards,” said Prine. “They’re put through a rigorous testing and inspection process after assembly and prior to leaving the plant. We offer all customers operator training with the delivery of new products as well.”

Hoist Liftruck has experienced an influx of activity and business over the past few years thanks to strategic positioning in the marketplace, continuing growth of the economy, burgeoning industries, and an expanded product portfolio. The company has grown to include regional distribution centers and locations in Houston, Phoenix, and Fort Myers with additional locations currently being explored.

“I see Hoist Liftruck increasing its presence across the U.S. with additional regional distribution centers as well as through the expansion of strategic partnerships,” said Prine. “Hoist’s new location in East Chicago, Indiana will—in full production—ensure our manufacturing capabilities keep pace with this growth and allow for even further expansion.”

Big Trucks Forged in America

The BIG TRUCK experts, Hoist Liftruck is a U.S. manufacturer of high-capacity liftrucks ranging from 7 to 57 tons. From heavy-duty cushion tire and pneumatic forklifts to container handlers and reach stackers, all of our liftrucks are 100% made in the USA.

Each liftruck is engineered and manufactured to maximize its durability, productivity and serviceability needed for the most demanding applications. This ingenuity also allows Hoist Liftruck to have industry-best lead times of 8-12 weeks for most equipment. With our U.S. roots dating back more than 95 years, Hoist Liftruck has extensive knowledge in high-capacity material handling equipment. We continue to embody the red, white and blue collar spirit with BIG TRUCKS forged in America.

Hoist Liftruck’s corporate headquarters and manufacturing facilities are centrally located in America’s heartland, close to Chicago Midway International Airport, major highways, rail lines, as well as all our vendors.

Each of our liftrucks are100% made in the USA thanks to our vertically integrated factory and partnership with domestic vendors. More than 75% of the material on each of our liftrucks is manufactured in-house, including chassis, steer axles and masts, with the remaining sourced from reputable U.S. vendors such as Cummins and Dana.

Our dedicated team of professionals strive to provide comprehensive customer service from initial contact to service and parts support in the field. Most Hoist Liftruck dealer locations stock a majority of commonly used parts that are ready for immediate pick up or delivery. Custom parts and components that are not readily available can be machined and delivered from our factory in less than two weeks.

Corporate Office

6499 West 65th Street
Bedford Park, Illinois 60638

T 708.458.2200
Website - www.hoistlift.com

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