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Buckle Up: Cat® Lift Trucks marks 20 consecutive years for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™

Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas, a manufacturer and provider of Cat® lift trucks across North, Central, and South America, has announced the 20th recurring year as the Official Lift Truck Provider for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™.

For two decades, Cat Lift Trucks and its local dealer, Darr Equipment Co., have played a critical role in the production of the largest livestock exhibition and rodeo in the world. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a beloved tradition for over 2.5 million visitors and 30,000 exhibitors each year, showcasing the very best in agriculture, entertainment, and Western heritage.

Dr. Chris Boleman

Dr. Chris Boleman

“Cat Lift Trucks has been a driving force behind our operations of the Houston Livestock Show, ensuring our iconic event runs smoothly,” said Dr. Chris Boleman, president and CEO of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. “Their consistent dedication to providing top-tier products and unparalleled support has been pivotal. As we celebrate 20 years of partnering together, we look forward to continued excellence and a shared journey filled with memorable experiences for years to come.”

As the Official Lift Truck Provider, Cat Lift Trucks, along with Darr Equipment Co., provides over 140 Cat lift trucks to ensure seamless operation from setup to tear down throughout the 300-acre complex. Darr Equipment Co.’s technicians will also be on-hand throughout the show to provide daily on-site service and maintenance for the forklifts throughout the Rodeo season.

Jerry Sytsma headshot

Jerry Sytsma

“It’s an honor to continue as the Official Lift Truck Provider – now in our 20th year”, said Jerry Sytsma, Executive Vice President, Sales & Aftermarket Services at Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas. “The work performed behind the scenes, by our forklifts and Darr’s technicians, allows us to help bring together the city of Houston in a meaningful way, while also indirectly helping to provide educational scholarships for deserving kids. It’s a real honor to help give back to our community in this way.”

Beyond the operational support, Cat Lift Trucks embodies its commitment to nurturing future leaders and innovators with its scholarship program. Since its launch in 2005, the Cat Lift Trucks scholarship program has awarded $140,000 in educational assistance to 28 outstanding Houston-area high school seniors interested in pursuing a four-year degree related to the material handling industry. This year’s winner will be honored at the 2024 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ and awarded a $5,000 scholarship to go towards their higher education.