Big Joe Forklifts, a North American provider of integrated lithium-ion forklifts, warehouse equipment, and autonomous material-handling solutions, is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, marking seven and a half decades of helping businesses move materials more efficiently, safely, and productively. Founded in 1951, Big Joe has grown from a Midwestern manufacturer of innovative warehouse equipment into a leader in the industry’s transformation from internal combustion to electric and autonomous solutions.
“Reaching 75 years is an incredible milestone, but what excites us most is the opportunity ahead,” said Dan Rosskamm, President & CEO of Big Joe Forklifts. “Our history has been defined by challenging conventions and finding better ways to solve customer problems. As warehouses and supply chains continue to evolve, Big Joe is uniquely positioned to lead the electrification movement, providing purpose-built, integrated lithium solutions as a direct replacement for propane and diesel powered forklifts. We are also emerging as a disruptor in the autonomous space, offering approachable solutions that simply work. The foundation built over the last 75 years is our launch pad for the next 75.”
Founded by the Kiefus and Levine families in Chicago, Big Joe introduced its first product, the In Between Handling (IBH) manual straddle stacker in 1951. More than seven decades later, the IBH remains in production and continues to serve customers from the company’s Wisconsin manufacturing facility, reflecting Big Joe’s long-standing commitment to solving real-world material handling challenges with practical, dependable equipment.
Throughout its history, Big Joe has built its reputation on innovation. From pioneering power-drive pallet trucks and compact powered stackers that became indispensable in retail environments to introducing the E30 Electric Pallet Truck, which helped establish the ITA Class 3.1 category, the company has consistently focused on developing solutions that directly address customer pain points. In recent years, Big Joe has expanded its investment into integrated lithium-ion forklifts and launched a groundbreaking autonomous division focused on practical, user-directed automation solutions.
“As we celebrate 75 years of Big Joe, we’re honoring the people, partnerships and innovations that have defined our journey,” said Martin Boyd, Chief Marketing Officer of Big Joe Forklifts. “From the introduction of the original IBH stacker to our leadership in lithium-powered equipment and autonomous solutions, Big Joe has always focused on empowering the people who move things. Our anniversary is not just a celebration of where we’ve been – it’s a statement about where we’re headed as we continue helping customers move confidently into the future of material handling.”
Today, Big Joe is headquartered in DeForest, Wisconsin, and serves customers throughout North America, both directly and through an extensive dealer network. The company’s mission is “Empowering the People Who Move Things,” delivering innovative products and technologies that make material handling safer, easier, and more productive.
The company’s 75th anniversary theme, “Powering Progress,” reflects both its heritage and its vision for the future. Since becoming part of the EP Equipment family in 2009, Big Joe has accelerated investment in electrification, lithium-ion battery manufacturing, and automation, helping customers modernize their operations while improving productivity and sustainability. Today, Big Joe and EP are recognized leaders in lithium-ion adoption and in vertically integrated power systems, and have become the world’s largest manufacturer of Class 3[DR1] [AS2] equipment.
Throughout 2026, Big Joe will commemorate its anniversary with special events, historical storytelling, employee initiatives, and content highlighting the innovations, employees, dealers, and customers who have helped shape the company’s success.
