What MTA Distributors does

MTA Distributors is a wholesale distributor of rental equipment, power tools, parts, and accessories serving the U.S. rental industry. Founded in 1980 in Tennessee and operating from a 70,000 square-foot Tennessee headquarters plus a Corona, California warehouse acquired via Tru-Power in 2020, the company self-positions as "America's largest rental equipment distributor" and ships across all 50 states through a field sales force, dealer e-commerce platform, and a mobile parts-lookup application. Its catalog spans more than 200 product lines, anchored by a long-standing Honda national distributorship across Power Equipment, Engines, and Pumps, and supplemented by brands including EDCO, Makinex, and JLG.

The customer base includes large national accounts such as Home Depot, Tractor Supply Co., and Rental Service Corporation, alongside independent rental yards, contractors (reported as roughly 75% of rental end-users), and homeowners (roughly 25%). Revenue is generated through wholesale markup on equipment, parts, and accessories, with value-added services including Spring Forward and Power Forward dealer financing, technician training and certification seminars, and warranty support; the company is a member of the American Rental Association.

The business is privately held with no public revenue disclosure. John Thompson has served as CEO since 2019, coinciding with the Tru-Power acquisition and a subsequent phase of product and territorial expansion. No AI/ML capabilities, proprietary software products, or external funding rounds are described in the available material.

Name

MTA Distributors

Legal name

MTA Distributors, LLC

Website

https://mtadistributors.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1980

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

MTA Distributors is a wholesale distributor of power equipment, tools, and parts serving the U.S. rental industry. Operating from warehouses in Tennessee and California, the company distributes 200+ product lines across all 50 states.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Whites Creek

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Wholesale Equipment Distribution: Wholesale distribution of power equipment, tools, parts, and accessories to the rental industry. Sells commercial-grade equipment to retail and rental businesses across North America. Revenue is generated through one-time product sales with various payment terms.
2. Parts and Accessories Sales: Sale of replacement parts, accessories, and consumables associated with equipment sales. This includes saw blades, safety equipment, hand tools, and other rental-associated items.
3. Extended Payment Terms Programs: Seasonal financing programs (Spring Forward, Power Forward) and year-round terms that allow customers to spread payments over 30-180 days, enabling rental companies to stock equipment before first payment is due.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

MTA Distributors is a wholesale B2B distributor of commercial-grade rental equipment, parts, and accessories, offering over 200 premium product lines including Honda power equipment (generators, pumps, engines, tillers), EDCO surface preparation tools, party and event equipment, lawn and garden equipment, power tools, and material handling. The company sells exclusively to rental companies, contractors, government entities, and select retailers through direct field sales, a self-service e-commerce platform, and warehouse pickup, with value-added services including rental seminars, Honda Certified Master Technician training, and seasonal financing programs.

Product overview

MTA Distributors is America's largest rental equipment distributor offering a comprehensive B2B eCommerce platform and over 200 premium product lines for the rental industry. The company's core product portfolio centers on Honda power equipment (generators, pumps, engines, and tillers), EDCO surface preparation equipment, and general rental equipment across categories including lawn & garden, construction, party & event, power tools, and material handling. They distribute across all 50 states through two regional hubs (Tennessee and California) and support customers with value-added services including rental seminars, technician training certification, flexible financing programs (Spring Forward, Power Forward), and a tiered freight program. The company also offers a mobile application for iOS and Android. Key brand partnerships include Honda (as national/regional distributor), EDCO (38 states), Makinex (all 50 states), JLG Lifts, General Pipe Cleaners, Little Wonder, and Bosch, among others. The business operates as a wholesale distributor primarily serving retail and rental businesses rather than end consumers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Honda Generators Honda portable generators including EU Super Quiet Inverter Generators (up to 7000W), EG Commercial Generators, EB Industrial Generators (5000-10000W), and EM Deluxe Generators (6500W) for rental and commercial use.
• Honda Power Equipment Full line of Honda power equipment including generators, pumps, tillers, and related accessories for the rental industry.
• Honda Pumps Water pumps including WX Lightweight Pumps, WB General Purpose Pumps, WH High Pressure Pumps, WT Trash Pumps, and WSP Submersible Pumps for dewatering and fluid transfer applications.
• Honda Tillers Honda tillers including FC600K2AN Mid-Tine Heavy Duty Tiller, F220K1ANT Mid-Tine Tiller, FG110K1AT Mini Tiller Cultivator, and FRC800K1AN Rear-Tine Tiller for agricultural and landscaping applications.
• Honda Engines Honda gasoline engines for OEM and replacement applications distributed across 10+ states (Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Southern California, Southern Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico).
• EDCO Products EDCO Surface Preparation Equipment and Professional Sawing Equipment for concrete surface prep, grinding, and finishing operations, distributed across 38 states.
• Lawn & Garden Equipment Commercial-grade lawn and garden equipment for rental fleets including mowers, trimmers, and grounds maintenance tools.
• Power Tools Industrial and commercial power tools including Bosch Brute rotary hammers and other professional-grade equipment.
• Party & Event Equipment Special event equipment including tents, tables, chairs, and inflatable bouncers for party rental operations.
• Air Tools & Compressors Air compressors and pneumatic tools for construction and industrial rental applications.
• Concrete, Masonry, & Tile Equipment Equipment for concrete work including saws, breakers, mixers, and tile tools for rental operations.
• Drain Cleaners Drain cleaning equipment including snakes and jetters for plumbing maintenance rental.
• Fleet Maintenance Equipment Equipment for vehicle and equipment fleet maintenance operations.
• Generators & Power Distribution Power generators and distribution equipment for construction and backup power applications.
• Material Handling Equipment Material handling equipment including lifts, carts, and dollies for rental operations.
• Scaffold Equipment Scaffold systems, frames, and accessories including walk-thru frames, ladder frames, and safety components.
• Surface Preparation Equipment Floor sanding, shot blasters, and surface preparation equipment for concrete and flooring restoration.
• JLG Lifts Aerial lifts and access equipment added to the product lineup in 2022 for vertical access applications.
• Makinex Products Makinex construction and rental equipment expanded to all 50 states in 2022 through extended partnership.
• MTA Mobile Application Mobile application available in the Apple App Store for iOS and Google Play for Android, enabling customers to browse and order products on mobile devices.
• Rental Seminar Program One-day seminars on fundamentals of opening and operating a rental store, covering location, computer systems, layout, personnel, rental contracts, and equipment selection. Cost is $200 per company.
• Honda Certified Master Technician School Training program for technicians covering testing, repair, and maintenance procedures for Honda engines, including Certified Master Technician levels with hands-on exercises and dyno testing.
• Honda Rental Program Special rental dealer program for Honda generators, pumps, and tillers available nationwide to registered rental accounts for rental use only.
• Spring Forward Financing Seasonal financing program offering up to 6 equal payments for orders placed January 1 - April 30 with no interest if paid on time.
• Power Forward Financing Seasonal financing program for orders placed September 1 - December 31 with no payments until spring and no interest if paid on time, with Level 1-3 tiers based on order minimums.
• MTA Catalog Freight Program Tiered freight program with fixed shipping charges based on invoice amount, with free shipping for orders over $8,500, effective January 5, 2026.

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered major, core and supporting.

• Makinex USAmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 July 2022Makinex USA extended their partnership with MTA Distributors, expanding coverage across the United States beginning July 1, 2022. MTA manages distribution of the full Makinex line to independent rental customers in all 50 states.
• JLG LiftsmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2022MTA added JLG Lifts to their product line up in 2022, expanding their equipment offerings for the rental industry.
• EDCO (Equipment Development Company)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 June 2021MTA became EDCO's concrete equipment distributor for 23 states starting 2018. By 2021, EDCO assigned more territory bringing total to 38 states for EDCO Surface Preparation Equipment and Professional Sawing Equipment distribution.
• Tru-Power Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2020MTA acquired Tru-Power in Corona, CA on July 1, 2020, assuming operations of the West Coast facility. Tru-Power was a long-time industry leader in distributing Honda Engines and Power Equipment as well as other manufacturers such as Maruyama.
• Home DepotmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2010MTA was chosen by American Honda Motor Co., Inc. to supply Home Depot retail stores nationwide with a select line of retail packaged Honda parts and accessories.
• Tractor Supply Co.majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2008MTA was appointed by American Honda Motor Co., Inc. as its national distributor of Honda general-purpose engines to Tractor Supply Co.
• Rental Service CorporationmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2004MTA was appointed by American Honda Motor Co., Inc. to sell Honda engine and power equipment parts nationwide to Rental Service Corporation.
• Honda (American Honda Motor Co., Inc.)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHonda is described as 'the Heart of MTA'. MTA is the regional Honda Engine and Honda Power Equipment distributor for Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Southern California, Southern Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico. Also appointed as national Honda Power Equipment Rental Distributor for generators and pumps, national distributor of Honda tillers, and national distributor of Honda engines to Tractor Supply Co.
• American Honda Training (TACS)supportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerMTA participates in Honda's TACS (Total Administration and Customer Service) training website for technician certification levels including Apprentice, Technician, Certified Technician, and Certified Master Technician.
• American Rental Association (ARA)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMTA is a proud Associate Member of the American Rental Association. They have participated in ARA trade shows for over 25 consecutive years.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves12 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Genuine Parts Company: Distribution business (NAPA, Motion Industrial) distributing automotive and industrial replacement parts and supplies. Comparable in broadline B2B parts distribution and complementary to MTA's industrial contractor customer base.
• W.W. Grainger: Industrial MRO distribution giant serving B2B customers with extensive equipment, supplies, and tools catalog. Comparable as a broadline industrial distributor; much larger scale and broader product set than MTA's rental-focused specialty.
• Fastenal: Industrial and construction supplies distributor with national footprint and vending/inventory management solutions for B2B customers. Comparable in distribution model and customer overlap (contractors, industrial), but broader product mix.
• MSC Industrial Direct: Metalworking and industrial supply distributor serving B2B customers with broad tools, equipment, and consumables catalog. Comparable wholesale distribution model serving contractors and industrial buyers, though MTA specializes in rental industry versus MSC's metalworking focus.

Emerging players

• Pool Corporation: Largest wholesale distributor of swimming pool supplies and related equipment, serving pool builders, retailers, and service companies. Highly comparable business model: B2B wholesale distribution to a specific industry vertical with national warehouses and value-added services.

Peers

• HD Supply (Home Depot Pro):

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/mtadistributors
• Facebookfacebook.com/MTADistributors
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/mta-distributors

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries1 record

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 MTA Distributors