PowerMate

What PowerMate does

PowerMate, a division of L P International Inc., manufactures motorized electric stair-climbing hand trucks, vehicle-mounted LiftGates, lift tables, and case lifters from its headquarters in Brantford, Ontario, Canada. The company has been in operation since 1976, with the manufacturing entity formalized in 1982, and employs 11-50 people. Its core technology is a patented drive-screw mechanism powered by sealed 12-volt rechargeable batteries, in which the toe plate separates from the wheels to allow the operator to skip or climb steps up to 48 inches in height, reduce manual effort by over 87 percent, and operate loads up to 1,500 pounds. The product line is organized into L-Series (aluminum, up to 700 lb), M-Series (steel, up to 1,500 lb), and P-Series (lightweight, up to 220 lb) stair climbers, complemented by LG-series interior and exterior vehicle LiftGates, the LT-1 lift table, and the LC-7 case lifter, plus a full accessory ecosystem (chargers, docking stations, hook boxes, preventative maintenance kits).

PowerMate monetizes primarily through one-time hardware sales priced on a quote basis, with the entry-level L-1 listed above $3,100 and M-Series units at materially higher price points. Ancillary revenue streams include accessories and replacement parts, factory-authorized operator training (including train-the-trainer programs for fleet operators), and customer financing facilitated through a partnership with Allstate Capital, LLC. The go-to-market combines direct sales via website, toll-free phone, and inside solution specialists who respond within 24 hours, with distribution partners and the BuyMax Alliance (1,400+ independent HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and roofing contractors). Customers are predominantly SMB trade contractors — HVAC-R is the primary vertical, followed by appliance delivery, vending, lock/safe, elevator service, bottled gas, hearth and patio, office/property management, industrial drum handling, utilities, casinos, document imaging, and movers. The company is privately held with no disclosed funding rounds and no public revenue figures.

Name

PowerMate

Legal name

L P International Inc.

Website

https://powermate.info

Company type

Private

Founded year

1976

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

PowerMate, a division of L P International Inc., manufactures motorized electric stair-climbing hand trucks, LiftGates, lift tables, and case lifters sold primarily to SMB HVAC-R contractors and adjacent trade verticals across North America and Europe.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Material Handling Equipment

NAICS

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

SIC

Industrial Trucks, Tractors, Trailors & Stackers (3537)

akta.pro primary industry

Loading/Unloading & Transfer Equipment (Telescopic Conveyors, Loaders, Tipplers) (IMAHABAI)

akta.pro secondary industry

Lifting Platforms & Aerial Work Platforms (MEWPs) (IMAHAJAJ)

Keywords

• Stair climbing hand trucks
• Material handling equipment
• Motorized lift trucks
• Vehicle liftgate systems
• Powered tailgate lifts

Headquarters

HQ city

Brantford

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Stair Climbing Hand Truck Sales: PowerMate generates primary revenue from the sale of motorized stair climbing hand trucks and lift gates. Products are sold directly to end customers through website, phone, and contact forms. Full range of models available up to 1500 pounds capacity.
2. Accessories and Parts: Full line of accessories available for different applications including L Series, M Series, P Series accessories, and other parts. Also offers wheel brakes, hook boxes, docking stations, and charging equipment.
3. Operator Training Services: Factory authorized operator training programs including 'train the trainer' programs for large operators with fleet vehicles. Training available for safety moving techniques and proper equipment operation.
4. Equipment Financing: Partnership with Allstate Capital, LLC providing third-party equipment financing options to customers for purchasing PowerMate products.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

PowerMate manufactures and sells motorized electric stair-climbing hand trucks, vehicle liftgates, lift tables, and case lifters. Products are powered by rechargeable 12-volt batteries with proprietary drive screw technology that performs 100% of the lifting, allowing a single operator to move heavy loads up to 1,500 pounds up and down stairs, on and off vehicles, and across loading docks. The portfolio includes L-Series (aluminum, up to 700 lb), M-Series (steel, up to 1,500 lb), P-Series POGO (lightweight, up to 220 lb) stair climbers, plus LG-Series liftgates and LT/LC-Series lifting equipment.

Product overview

PowerMate is a manufacturer of motorized electric stair climbing hand trucks and material handling equipment. The product portfolio centers on the PowerMate motorized stair climber, which is described as 'four machines in one': a well-balanced dolly, a powered stair climber, a loading dock leveler, and a powered tailgate lift. The core lineup includes L-Series (aluminum, up to 700lb), M-Series (steel, up to 1500lb), and P-Series (lightweight, up to 220lb) stair climbers, plus LiftGates (interior and exterior vehicle lifts with 250-500lb capacity) and LiftTables. Accessories include battery chargers, docking stations, and specialized attachments. Products are powered by 12V rechargeable batteries and utilize ball screw drive technology to reduce operator effort by over 87%.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• PowerMate: Primary brand for motorized stair climbing hand trucks and LiftGates

Products and services

• L-1 Stair Climbing Hand Truck Aluminum motorized stair climbing hand truck with up to 650 lb load capacity, battery-powered, designed for operators moving heavy loads up and down stairs with minimal physical effort.
• LE-1 Stair Climbing Hand Truck Motorized stair climbing hand truck with up to 700 lb load capacity, featuring unique stacking capabilities with no attachments required and two drive screws for wheels and toe plate.
• M-1 Stair Climbing Hand Truck Heavy-duty steel motorized stair climbing hand truck with up to 1,500 lb load capacity for heavy weight lifting applications.
• M-2B Stair Climbing Hand Truck Heavy-duty steel motorized stair climbing hand truck with up to 1,500 lb load capacity and automatic load elevation capabilities.
• M-2C Stair Climbing Hand Truck Heavy-duty steel motorized stair climbing hand truck with up to 1,500 lb load capacity.
• P-1 (POGO) Stair Climber Lightweight motorized stair climber with up to 200 lb capacity in a compact design ideal for regular deliveries.
• P-2 (POGO) Stair Climber Lightweight motorized stair climber with up to 220 lb capacity designed for fast, regular delivery applications.
• LG-3 & LG-6 LiftGate Interior-mounted platform lift for vehicles, with LG-3 at 250 lb capacity and LG-6 at 500 lb capacity, designed for cargo vans and Sprinter vans.
• LV-2 LiftGate LiftGate for smaller, more efficient service and delivery vehicles; designed for pickup trucks and trailers with outdoor installation capability, cable-type crane-like operation, and 500 lb capacity.
• LT-1 LiftTable Lift table with up to 500 lb load capacity for material handling applications.
• LC-7 Case Lifter Case lifter with up to 250 lb load capacity.
• PowerMate Factory-Authorized Operator Training Factory-authorized operator training programs including 'train the trainer' programs for large fleet operators, covering safety moving techniques and proper equipment operation of PowerMate stair climbers.

Quantifiable outcome

• Reduces operator effort to move heavy loads by over 87%
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments13 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Two partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• BuyMax AlliancecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPowerMate partnered with BuyMax Alliance, a group of over 1,400 independent HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and roofing contractors. The partnership provides members with special pricing on PowerMate products and enables contractors to discover the benefits of bringing PowerMate equipment on service calls. PowerMate exhibits at BuyMax trade shows and events.
• National Association of Elevator Contractors (NAEC)supportingOthersPowerMate is a supplier member of NAEC (National Association of Elevator Contractors), supporting the elevator service and modernization industry with equipment for moving elevator components including sheaves, motors, armatures, generators, controllers, and test weights.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Vestil Manufacturing: Broad material handling equipment catalog spanning lift tables, hand trucks, dock equipment, and ergonomic aids. A wide-portfolio incumbent that competes with PowerMate on LiftTables, LiftGates, and accessories for similar industrial buyers.
• Crown Equipment Corporation: Major global forklift and material handling OEM with industrial trucks, pallet stackers, and warehouse mobility solutions. A large incumbent that addresses the broader material handling space where PowerMate's hand trucks and liftgates compete.
• Wesco Industrial Products: Broad industrial material handling manufacturer with hand trucks, lift tables, drum equipment, and platform carts. A portfolio incumbent competing with PowerMate on LiftTables, hand trucks, and industrial handling equipment.

Direct peers

• Southworth Products: Manufacturer of lifting equipment including lift tables, industrial lifts, and positioners. Directly competes with PowerMate's LT Series LiftTables and similar material handling/loading equipment for industrial users.
• Harper Trucks: Manufacturer of hand trucks, platform trucks, and material handling carts for industrial and commercial delivery. Competitor in the hand truck category with overlap on PowerMate's L Series and M Series lines.
• Presto Lifts: Manufacturer of lifts, stackers, load lifters, and material handling equipment. Competes with PowerMate across LiftTables, liftgates, and powered material handling for industrial and warehouse applications.
• Magliner: Leading manufacturer of hand trucks and material handling equipment for delivery and trades. While Magliner's core line is manual, its product overlap with PowerMate's hand truck portfolio places it as a direct peer for buyers comparing alternatives.
• Bishamon: Manufacturer of industrial lifting equipment including EZ Lifters and powered material handling solutions. Overlaps with PowerMate's LiftTable and material handling product lines for commercial and industrial buyers.
• Ant Group Industrial: UK-based manufacturer of powered stair climbing hand trucks and trolleys (e.g., Borum, Powered StairClimbers). Directly competes with PowerMate in the same motorized stair-climbing niche with comparable battery-powered drive systems.

Emerging players

• Liftking Industries: Manufacturer of mobile lift equipment including liftgates and dock equipment for commercial vehicles. Overlaps with PowerMate's LG Series LiftGate product line for vehicle-mounted material handling solutions.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/powermate

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 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 PowerMate