Big Joe Forklifts Celebrates 75 Years of Innovation, Partnership and Powering Progress

MADISON, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Big Joe Forklifts, a leading North American provider of integrated lithium-ion forklifts, warehouse equipment and autonomous material handling solutions, is proud to celebrate its 75th anniversary this year, marking seven and a half decades of helping businesses move materials more efficiently, safely and productively. Founded in 1951, Big Joe has grown from a midwestern manufacturer of innovative warehouse equipment into a leader in the industry’s transformation from internal combustion to electric and autonomous solutions.

“Reaching 75 years is an incredible milestone, but what excites us most is the opportunity ahead,” said Dan Rosskamm, President & CEO of Big Joe Forklifts. “Our history has been defined by challenging conventions and finding better ways to solve customer problems. As warehouses and supply chains continue to evolve, Big Joe is uniquely positioned to lead the electrification movement, providing purpose-built, integrated lithium solutions as a direct replacement for propane and diesel powered forklifts. We are also emerging as a disrupter in the autonomous space, offering approachable solutions that simply work. The foundation built over the last 75 years is our launch pad for the next 75.”

Founded by the Kiefus and Levine families in Chicago, Big Joe introduced its first product, the In Between Handling (IBH) manual straddle stacker in 1951. More than seven decades later, the IBH remains in production and continues to serve customers from the company’s Wisconsin manufacturing facility, reflecting Big Joe’s long-standing commitment to solving real-world material handling challenges with practical, dependable equipment.

Throughout its history, Big Joe has built its reputation on innovation. From pioneering power-drive pallet trucks and compact powered stackers that became indispensable in retail environments, to introducing the E30 Electric Pallet Truck that helped establish the ITA Class 3.1 category, the company has consistently focused on developing solutions that directly address customer pains. In recent years, Big Joe has expanded its investment into integrated lithium-ion forklifts and launched a groundbreaking autonomous division focused on practical, user-directed automation solutions.

“As we celebrate 75 years of Big Joe, we’re honoring the people, partnerships and innovations that have defined our journey,” said Martin Boyd, Chief Marketing Officer of Big Joe Forklifts. “From the introduction of the original IBH stacker to our leadership in lithium-powered equipment and autonomous solutions, Big Joe has always focused on empowering the people who move things. Our anniversary is not just a celebration of where we’ve been - it’s a statement about where we’re headed as we continue helping customers move confidently into the future of material handling.”

Today, Big Joe is headquartered in DeForest, Wisconsin and serves customers throughout North America directly as well as through an extensive dealer network. The company’s mission is “Empowering the People Who Move Things,” delivering innovative products and technologies that make material handling safer, easier and more productive.

The company’s 75th anniversary theme, “Powering Progress,” reflects both its heritage and its vision for the future. Since becoming part of the EP Equipment family in 2009, Big Joe has accelerated investment in electrification, lithium-ion battery manufacturing and automation, helping customers modernize their operations while improving productivity and sustainability. Today, Big Joe and EP are recognized leaders in lithium-ion adoption and vertically integrated power systems and have become the world’s largest manufacturer of Class 3 equipment.

Throughout 2026, Big Joe will commemorate its anniversary with special events, historical storytelling, employee initiatives, and content highlighting the innovations, employees, dealers and customers who have helped shape the company’s success.

For more information about Big Joe Forklifts and its 75-year history of innovation, visit BigJoeForklifts.com.

About Big Joe Forklifts

Big Joe Forklifts, established in 1951, is a North American leader in material handling solutions with a mission to empower the people who move things and a vision to be the trusted partner delivering disruptive solutions that accelerate the industry's transformation from internal combustion to electric to fully autonomous. The company’s tagline, Powering Progress, reflects its commitment to innovation and partnership as it delivers lithium-ion forklifts, advanced material-handling equipment, and autonomous solutions through its nationwide dealer network.