What SixAxis does

SixAxis is a U.S.-based manufacturer of compliance-driven industrial safety and access solutions, founded in 2002 in Andrews, South Carolina, by Rob Honeycutt and Fred Harmon. The company designs, produces, and installs modular stairs, fall-protection equipment, gangways, loading platforms, safety gates, and bulk-loading access systems under a portfolio of brands that includes SafeRack (truck and railcar loading platforms and gangways), ErectaStep (modular metal stairs, work platforms, and crossovers built around a patented 5-component system), Upside Innovations (ADA- and IBC-compliant access solutions acquired in 2021), RollaStep (mobile rolling platforms), YellowGate (safety gates), AeroStep (aviation/aerospace access), MarinaStep (marine gangways), and Liquid Transfer Group (terminal loading consulting). All products are engineered to be OSHA-, IBC-, and ADA-compliant out of the crate, with 24+ proprietary industrial designs, U.S. Patent 10,358,871 covering ErectaStep's modular system, and patented technologies such as the Retractalok unibody gangway.

SixAxis operates two U.S. manufacturing facilities—Andrews, SC (240,000 sq ft) and West Chester, OH (110,000 sq ft)—both running at roughly 50% capacity, with 98% domestic sourcing and certifications including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and SHARP. Operations are world-class on disclosed KPIs, with a TRIR of 0.00 versus an industry standard of 3.10 and on-time delivery of 97.3% versus an industry standard near 83%. The proprietary Quotebooks iPad-based configuration software runs thousands of structural-integrity and compliance algorithms, enabling Regional Account Managers to function as in-field engineers and quote complex configurations in a single visit, which drove a documented 500% sales increase from 2010 to 2015.

Revenue is generated primarily through direct hardware sales to enterprise customers in industrial manufacturing, energy, chemical processing, food and beverage, aerospace, and commercial construction, complemented by a North American authorized distributor network and a small ErectaStep e-commerce channel. The company counts Boeing, NASA, SpaceX, Lockheed Martin, Gulfstream, Exxon, Tesla, Toyota, John Deere, Dow, Coca-Cola, and Holcim among its customers, and serves clients in more than 50 countries. Ownership is private-equity-backed: Falfurrias Capital Partners invested in 2017, and the company is now a portfolio company of MiddleGround Capital, which named SixAxis 'Operational Team of the Year' in 2026.

Name

SixAxis

Legal name

SixAxis LLC

Website

https://sixaxisllc.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2002

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

SixAxis is a U.S. manufacturer of OSHA-, IBC-, and ADA-compliant industrial safety and access solutions, including modular stairs, gangways, loading platforms, and fall-protection equipment. Operating through brands such as SafeRack, ErectaStep, and Upside Innovations, it serves Fortune 500 customers in industrial manufacturing, energy, aerospace, and chemical processing across 50+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Safety Equipment

NAICS

Industrial Truck, Tractor, Trailer, and Stacker Machinery Manufacturing (333924)

SIC

Bolts, Nuts, Screws, Rivets & Washers (3452)

akta.pro primary industry

Wheels, Tires, Brakes & Suspension Components Manufacturing (IMACAOAH)

Keywords

• Industrial safety equipment
• Loading rack systems
• Fall protection solutions
• Modular access platforms
• Bulk loading gangways

Headquarters

HQ city

Andrews

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Industrial Safety Products: Manufactures and sells industrial safety and access solutions including loading racks, gangways, stairs, platforms, and fall protection equipment. Revenue from direct product sales through distributor network and direct enterprise sales. Products are compliance-driven (OSHA, IBC, ADA compliant).
2. Software Solutions (Atlatl): SixAxis spun off a 60-engineer software development company (Atlatl) that creates a customizable SaaS platform for selling technical industrial systems. Initial build costs clients $200,000 to $700,000 plus per-seat SaaS fees.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

SixAxis manufactures compliance-driven industrial safety and access solutions through multiple brands including SafeRack (truck/railcar loading platforms and gangways), ErectaStep (modular metal stairs, work platforms, crossovers), Upside Innovations (ADA/IBC-compliant ramps and stairs), RollaStep (mobile rolling platforms), YellowGate (safety gates), AeroStep (aviation access), and MarinaStep (marine gangways). Products are OSHA, IBC, and ADA compliant, manufactured in the U.S. (Andrews, SC and West Chester, OH facilities), and sold primarily to Fortune 500 industrial customers including Boeing, NASA, SpaceX, Exxon, Tesla, Toyota, and Dow.

Product overview

SixAxis is a manufacturer of compliance-driven industrial safety and access solutions. The portfolio consists of multiple brands serving different market segments: SafeRack (truck/railcar loading platforms and gangways), ErectaStep (modular metal stairs and work platforms including ProXL sub-product), Upside Innovations (ADA/IBC-compliant ramps and access - acquired 2021), RollaStep (mobile rolling platforms), YellowGate (safety gates), AeroStep (aviation/aerospace stairs), MarinaStep (marine gangways), and Liquid Transfer Group (terminal loading consulting services). The company operates two U.S. manufacturing facilities in Andrews, S.C. and West Chester, OH, producing industrial safety and access solutions for Fortune 500 companies across diverse end markets including manufacturing, energy, water/wastewater, chemical processing, food/beverage, life sciences, transportation, government, and defense.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SafeRack: Industrial loading rack technologies, gangways, fall protection, and bulk loading safety equipment for trucks, railcars, marine, aviation, and aerospace applications. The world's largest manufacturer of truck and railcar loading platforms.
• ErectaStep
• Upside Innovations
• RollaStep
• YellowGate
• AeroStep
• MarinaStep
• Liquid Transfer Group

Products and services

• SafeRack Loading Platforms & Gangways Leading brand of truck and railcar loading platforms, gangways, and industrial fall protection safety equipment. Manufactures loading rack technologies and bulk loading access solutions for petroleum, chemical, and industrial applications. The world's largest manufacturer of truck and railcar loading platforms.
• ErectaStep Modular Access Systems Modular metal stairs, work platforms, crossovers, and access systems. Features patented 5-component system with infinite configurations for OSHA-compliant industrial and commercial access. Includes product lines ProXL, crossovers, industrial stairs, and ship ladders.
• Upside Innovations ADA & IBC Access Solutions ADA & IBC-compliant access solutions including modular ramps, stairs, platforms, and handrails for commercial and architectural projects. Operates from West Chester, Ohio facility.
• RollaStep Mobile Rolling Platforms Mobile rolling stairs and work platforms for industrial applications. Includes MP Series with Standard 9x3, Compact 3x3, Flatbed Trailer configurations, and Configure-to-Order options. Features 500 lb load rating and OSHA compliance.
• YellowGate Industrial Safety Gates Industrial safety swing gates for fall protection. Adjustable self-closing gates designed to protect workers from fall hazards at platform openings and access points.
• AeroStep Aviation & Aerospace Access Mobile stair units and access platforms specialized for aviation and aerospace industries. Provides stable mobile access with precision positioning capabilities for aircraft maintenance and aerospace manufacturing applications.
• MarinaStep Marine Gangways Marine loading dock gangways for ship and maritime access applications. Engineered for extreme weather durability and multiple loading configurations.
• Liquid Transfer Group Terminal Loading Consulting Terminal loading consulting services specializing in preplanning, feed studies, feasibility studies, and control systems implementation for chemical, industrial, and midstream oil and gas industries.
• SafeRack GXm Modular Gangway World's first modular gangway with bolt-on components, convertible top rail, multiple safety cage options, and redesigned powered system (120V electric or pneumatic). Order to installation in as little as one week. Replaces legacy G4 and GX models.
• SafeRack GX Loading Gangway Ergonomically advanced truck and railcar loading gangway featuring patented Retractalok system for effortless lifting with instant positive locking. Won 2020 Occupational Health & Safety New Product of the Year in Fall Protection/Prevention.
• ErectaStep ProXL Access Platform Pre-engineered, bolt-together access platforms with 1-6 step heights and ±3 inch adjustable legs. OSHA-compliant out of the crate with industrial-grade aluminum construction. Available in Standard, Wide, Catwalk, and L/Corner configurations. Ships and installs in days with hand tools only.
• ErectaStep Non-Penetrating Rooftop Stair Solution Counterweight-based rooftop stair and crossover system that provides non-penetrating access, protecting roof integrity while ensuring worker safety for accessing rooftop equipment such as HVAC units, ductwork, or piping.

Quantifiable outcome

• TRIR of 0.00 vs industry standard of 3.10
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered minor.

• Newson GaleminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 July 2020Partnered to designate August as National Grounding Safety Month. Newson Gale is the leader in static control for petrochemical loading operations. Joint promotion of static electricity safety awareness.
• UltraTech InternationalminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 June 2020Partnered to designate July as Spill Prevention Month. UltraTech is the leading supplier of environmental compliance products. Experts from both companies conduct safety audits to help businesses create spill prevention and containment plans.
• Red7 Advertising AgencyminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2010In-house creative marketing agency headquartered in downtown Charleston, SC. Employs approximately 20 people. Created '8th Wonder of the World' national media campaign including TV, digital, and print. Specializes in B2B manufacturing marketing.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Wildeck, Inc. Wildeck manufactures industrial mezzanines, vertical reciprocating conveyors, and safety gates for material handling and warehouse access — overlapping with SixAxis ErectaStep modular work platforms and YellowGate safety gates. Both serve industrial and warehouse customers needing OSHA-compliant elevated access.
• Blue Giant Equipment Corporation: Blue Giant manufactures loading dock equipment including dock levelers, vehicle restraints, and seals — directly comparable to SixAxis SafeRack brand truck and railcar loading platforms and gangways. Same end customers (warehouses, distribution centers, industrial facilities) and overlapping distribution channels.
• Ballymore Products: Ballymore manufactures rolling ladders, work platforms, lifts, and safety access equipment for industrial and commercial facilities — directly comparable to SixAxis RollaStep mobile platforms and YellowGate safety gates. Similar end markets in manufacturing and warehousing.
• Cotterman Company: Cotterman manufactures rolling ladders, work platforms, and specialty access equipment — directly competing with SixAxis RollaStep and ErectaStep in mobile and modular access solutions for industrial and commercial customers. Similar distribution through industrial supply channels.
• Kelley (ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems): Kelley, now part of ASSA ABLOY, is a long-established manufacturer of dock levelers, truck restraints, and loading dock seals — overlapping with SixAxis SafeRack in industrial loading and bulk handling. Comparable customer base across logistics, manufacturing, and big-box retail distribution.
• SpaceGuard Products: SpaceGuard manufactures wire partitions, safety barriers, and mezzanine systems for industrial facilities — overlapping with SixAxis's industrial access and safety product portfolio. Comparable customer base in manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution.
• Husky Rack & Wire: Husky Rack & Wire manufactures industrial steel pallet rack and storage systems with safety accessories — comparable to SixAxis's industrial access and safety offerings in warehousing and distribution center end markets.
• Tri-Boro Shelving & Partitions: Tri-Boro manufactures industrial shelving, partitions, and modular storage/access solutions — comparable to SixAxis's ErectaStep modular system in serving OSHA-compliant industrial and warehouse access applications.
• Fabenco, Inc. Fabenco manufactures self-closing safety gates for fall protection at industrial access points — directly comparable to SixAxis YellowGate brand. Both serve fall protection compliance needs in OSHA-regulated industrial facilities, with overlapping distributor networks.

Emerging players

• Safe-Rail, LLC: Safe-Rail (a brand of US Fall Protection) manufactures fall protection and roof anchor systems — adjacent to SixAxis's fall protection and ErectaStep modular access portfolio. Smaller emerging player focused on rooftop and ladder safety applications.

Market position

Strengths6 records

Weaknesses6 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights8 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sixaxis

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Subsidiaries8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors2 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A1 record

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about SixAxis