YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Last year certainly presented supply chain challenges, causing severe delays in delivering products and overall product availability – even as the materials handling industry set sales records.
But at Valley Industrial Trucks, 2021 was a record year, says company owner Jim Hammond.
“We have never seen sales volumes like this before,” he says.
Valley Industrial Trucks operates branches in Youngstown and Akron. The company offers a full line of forklifts, aerial lifts, commercial and utility vehicles, service, parts, rentals, and training.
The 66-year-old company is the Mahoning Valley’s only locally owned full-service material handling equipment and service provider, according to Hammond.
“Due to the forward thinking of our staff, Valley Industrial Trucks had enough stock on hand to supply customers during these unprecedented times,” Hammond says.
“In 2021, VIT added several new employees, continued our expansion and investment in the Akron market and saw significant revenue gains and record profits,” he reports.
The company again earned recognition from the Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association as a Most Valuable Partner.
Hammond attributes VIT’s industry distinction to its dedication to customer satisfaction – and his company’s growth to hiring the right people for each job.
“Finding the right people with the right experience and training for each position is key to making us operate more efficiently and better serve our customers,” Hammond says.
“This has enabled Valley Industrial Trucks to expand services and add partnerships.”
Another key to growth is the product lineup including the latest in lithium powered forklifts, which provide significant advantages.
This new technology eliminates the need for multiple batteries for each lift truck and improves safety by eliminating battery charging stations, acid, gassing and most maintenance, according to Hammond.
“Having the latest technology and knowing your markets’ needs is key to being able to sell and service lift trucks,” he says.