What APEX Companies does

APEX Companies is a privately held, full-service material handling equipment dealer and warehouse solutions provider founded in 2003 and operating across Illinois, Colorado, North Carolina, and South Carolina. The company distributes forklifts, lift trucks, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), aerial lifts, sweepers/scrubbers, personnel carriers, batteries/chargers, and attachments under authorized-dealer agreements with four OEMs: Linde, CLARK, BYD, and Big Joe, with supplementary representation of SkyJack, Genie, and JLG aerial products. The offering is organized into five divisions — Apex Automation Solutions, Apex Material Handling, Apex Storage, Apex Warehouse Systems, and Apex Rack Repair & Safety — covering the full lifecycle of fleet ownership from equipment selection through integration, training, and ongoing compliance.

The underlying technology stack is largely OEM-sourced rather than proprietary; APEX’s differentiating capability is application knowledge, equipment selection consulting, and factory-trained service rather than internally developed platforms. The warehouse automation practice (AGVs, AS/RS) and rack inspection/repair services are integration-led rather than software-led efforts built on partner platforms.

The business model combines one-time equipment sales (new and certified pre-owned), usage-based short-term rentals, subscription-style full-service leasing and financing, recurring parts/maintenance/service contracts, professional-services revenue from OSHA-compliant operator training and MEWP certification, and project-based revenue from warehouse storage system design, installation, automation integration, and rack repair. GTM is consultative enterprise field sales executed through direct phone/web engagement and on-site customer consultations across four regional offices and warehouses. Customer segments are horizontally diversified across warehousing and distribution (primary), manufacturing, and cold storage/refrigeration, with no disclosed revenue concentration by customer or vertical.

Name

APEX Companies

Legal name

Apex Material Handling Corporation

Website

https://apexmhc.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

APEX Companies is a privately held material handling equipment dealer providing forklifts, industrial vehicles, parts, service, OSHA-compliant training, storage solutions, and warehouse automation to warehousing, manufacturing, and cold storage customers across Illinois, Colorado, and the Carolinas.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Material Handling Equipment & Warehouse Solutions

NAICS

Machinery, Equipment, and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers (4238)

SIC

Industrial Trucks, Tractors, Trailors & Stackers (3537)

akta.pro primary industry

Bulk Material Handling Systems (Belt Conveyors, Feeders, Stackers, Reclaimers) (IMAHABAH)

Keywords

• Material handling equipment
• Forklift dealer
• Warehouse automation solutions
• Industrial vehicle service
• Operator safety training

Headquarters

HQ city

West Chicago

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Equipment Sales: Sale of new and pre-owned material handling equipment including forklifts, lift trucks, AGVs, pallet jacks, walkies, reach trucks, order pickers, turret trucks, aerial lifts, sweepers, scrubbers, and personnel carriers.
2. Equipment Rentals: Short-term forklift and equipment rentals providing flexible access to material handling equipment for seasonal spikes, short projects, or unpredictable demand.
3. Equipment Leasing & Financing: Lease and financing options allowing businesses to acquire equipment with lower upfront costs while preserving capital. Full-service leases may bundle maintenance.
4. Parts & Service: Sale of replacement parts and maintenance services for material handling equipment. Includes factory-trained service specialists and genuine replacement parts.
5. Forklift Operator Training: OSHA-compliant operator training, aerial lift certification, and rack repair safety training services.
6. Warehouse Automation & Storage Solutions: Design and installation of warehouse storage systems, pallet racking, automation solutions, and rack repair services.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

APEX Companies is a full-service material handling equipment dealer that sells, rents, and leases forklifts, lift trucks, AGVs, aerial lifts, and pallet jacks from manufacturers including Linde, CLARK, BYD, and Big Joe. It complements equipment distribution with parts, factory-trained maintenance, OSHA-compliant operator training, warehouse storage system design and installation, warehouse automation (AS/RS), and pallet rack inspection/repair services. Customers are warehousing, distribution, manufacturing, and cold-storage operators in Illinois, Colorado, and the Carolinas.

Product overview

APEX Companies is a full-service material handling equipment dealer and warehouse solutions provider operating under multiple divisions: Apex Material Handling, Apex Automation Solutions, Apex Storage, Apex Warehouse Systems, and Apex Rack Repair & Safety. The core product portfolio centers on forklifts and industrial vehicles from four major brands—Linde, CLARK, BYD, and Big Joe—spanning electric counterbalance, narrow aisle reach trucks, order pickers, turret trucks (VNA), automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and pallet jacks. These are complemented by aerial lifts, sweepers/scrubbers, and personnel carriers. The company also offers a full accessories line (batteries, chargers, attachments), pre-owned equipment, and a comprehensive services suite including maintenance/repair, parts supply, short-term rentals, leasing/financing, operator training, warehouse storage system design/installation, warehouse automation, and rack inspection/repair. This is a distributed product strategy where multiple equipment brands serve as the foundation, supported by proprietary services and solutions that add recurring revenue and deepen customer relationships.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Apex Automation Solutions: Advanced automation solutions for warehouses and distribution centers, including AGVs and automated systems
• Apex Material Handling
• Apex Storage
• Apex Warehouse Systems
• Apex Rack Repair & Safety

Products and services

• Linde Forklifts & Automated Vehicles Linde forklifts and automated guided vehicles covering electric counterbalance, narrow-aisle trucks, reach trucks, order pickers, walk/rider trucks, pallet jacks, and pallet stackers, sold and serviced through APEX for material handling customers in its regional markets.
• CLARK Material Handling Products CLARK forklifts and industrial vehicles including pneumatic tire/IC cushion counterbalance, electric counterbalance, reach trucks, order pickers, turret trucks, tow tractors, and pallet jacks/walkies.
• BYD Forklifts BYD electric forklifts powered by lithium-ion batteries for sustainable material handling operations, with up to 10-year battery warranty available.
• Big Joe Material Handling Big Joe forklifts and lift trucks offering durable, easy-to-use lifting solutions for warehouse operations, including the Joey Task Support Vehicle.
• Automated Forklifts (AGVs) Automated guided vehicles and robotic forklifts for autonomous warehouse operations and goods-to-person workflows, supplied via Linde's automated product line.
• Aerial Lift Equipment Mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) including scissor lifts, boom lifts, and telehandlers for elevated work positions, with operator certification training available.
• Pre-Owned Equipment Certified pre-owned forklifts and material handling equipment offered at reduced pricing for budget-conscious buyers.
• Parts & Service Factory-trained maintenance, genuine OEM replacement parts, and battery/charger service to keep customer material handling fleets operational.
• Short-Term Forklift Rentals Flexible short-term rentals of forklifts and industrial vehicles to address seasonal demand spikes, short projects, or unpredictable workload.
• Lease & Financing Equipment leasing and financing solutions, including full-service lease options bundling maintenance, enabling businesses to acquire equipment while preserving capital.
• Forklift & Safety Training OSHA-compliant operator training, forklift certification, elevated work platform (MEWP) certification, and rack repair safety courses delivered by factory-trained instructors.
• Warehouse Storage Solutions Pallet racking systems, storage design, and warehouse storage equipment installation services for distribution and warehousing customers.
• Warehouse Automation Solutions Advanced automation solutions including automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) and process automation for warehouse operations.
• Rack Repair & Safety Pallet rack inspection, repair, and safety services delivered to maintain warehouse infrastructure compliance.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 60% of forklifts sold in the market are now electric, with advantages in emissions, ergonomics, and maintenance costs
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core, supporting and minor.

• Linde Material HandlingcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorApex Companies is an authorized dealer for Linde forklifts and automated vehicles, including electric counterbalance forklifts, narrow aisle trucks, reach trucks, order pickers, automated forklifts (AGVs), walk/ride trucks, pallet jacks, and pallet stackers. Linde is positioned as a premier brand for efficiency and innovation in material handling.
• CLARK Material Handling CompanycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorApex Companies is a CLARK distributor offering the full CLARK product line including pneumatic tire/IC cushion counterbalance forklifts, electric counterbalance vehicles, reach trucks, order pickers, turret trucks, tow tractors, and pallet jacks/walkies. CLARK is highlighted for over 100 years of forklift innovation and one of the broadest product lines in the industry.
• BYD ForkliftscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorApex Companies offers BYD forklifts, positioned as sustainable lifting solutions. BYD is noted for lithium-ion battery technology in forklifts, offering up to 10-year warranty on batteries. Apex provides BYD forklifts along with charging stations and facility planning for conversion to lithium-ion power.
• Big Joe Material HandlingsupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorApex Companies offers Big Joe forklifts, characterized as durable, easy-to-use, and adaptable lifting solutions. Big Joe products include the Joey Task Support Vehicle and other models suitable for various warehouse applications.
• MHEDA (Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association)supportingOthersApex Companies is a member of MHEDA, the Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association. MHEDA membership indicates adherence to industry standards and professional practices in the material handling distribution industry.
• MHI (Material Handling Industry)supportingOthersApex Companies is a member of MHI, the Material Handling Industry association. MHI membership supports industry networking, education, and advocacy for material handling equipment companies.
• Avetta & BrowzminorOthersAvetta provides supplier compliance services including contractor management, safety verification, and risk assessment. Apex's partnership with Avetta indicates compliance with safety and business standards for contractor/supplier relationships.
• ISN (Information Services Network)minorOthersISN provides contractor safety management and verification services. Apex's ISN membership demonstrates commitment to safety standards and regulatory compliance in their service operations.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Toyota Material Handling: The largest forklift manufacturer in North America, distributing through an extensive dealer network. Comparable to Apex's OEM-side of the industry and a competitor for dealership agreements; its scale and brand set the competitive standard Apex's multi-brand strategy tries to match.
• Hyster-Yale Group: NYSE-listed material handling equipment manufacturer producing Hyster and Yale branded forklifts, distributed through a North American dealer network. A relevant comparable for Apex because it represents the OEM-dealer model that Apex operates within, and competes for similar end customers.
• KION Group / Linde Material Handling: European-headquartered industrial truck parent (KION Group) and its Linde Material Handling subsidiary, which is one of Apex's core brand partners. Comparable because it represents both a major OEM relationship for Apex and the broader competitive set for premium electric forklift and automation solutions.
• Caterpillar (Cat Lift Trucks): Diversified heavy equipment manufacturer whose Cat Lift Trucks division competes in the industrial lift truck market via a global dealer network. Comparable to Apex as a competing OEM-dealer ecosystem with overlapping manufacturing and construction end customers.
• Crown Equipment: Privately held, family-owned U.S. manufacturer of forklifts and warehouse equipment with a national direct and dealer-led distribution network. Comparable to Apex as a key OEM whose products and dealer economics shape the material handling equipment market.
• Jungheinrich: German material handling equipment manufacturer with a growing North American direct and dealer presence focused on intralogistics, forklifts, and warehouse automation. Comparable to Apex as a major OEM increasingly competing for the same automation and warehouse customer relationships.
• Raymond Corporation: U.S. material handling manufacturer owned by Toyota Industries, specializing in electric forklifts, reach trucks, and warehouse automation. Comparable to Apex as a competing OEM-dealer ecosystem targeting the same warehousing and distribution customer base.

Others

• Big Joe Forklifts: U.S.-based material handling equipment manufacturer whose products Apex distributes as an authorized dealer. Comparable as a partner/supplier relationship that defines part of Apex's product portfolio, rather than a direct dealer competitor.

Direct peers

• Equipment Depot: Operated by Rollings Companies, Equipment Depot is a multi-state authorized dealer for Toyota, Hyster, and Yale forklifts offering sales, service, rentals, and automation. Closely comparable to Apex as a multi-brand, multi-division material handling dealer with similar service and training offerings.
• MH Equipment: One of the largest independent material handling equipment dealers in the U.S., offering forklifts, aerial lifts, and warehouse automation across multiple Midwestern and Eastern states. Highly comparable to Apex in multi-brand dealer model, service-led revenue mix, and regional geographic strategy.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

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Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about APEX Companies