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the industry original since 1881

our story - about pettibone

Pettibone is the best in material handling equipment and manufactures world-class equipment built to last for generations.

Located in Baraga, Michigan, Pettibone specializes in developing material handling machines that are safer, tougher, and purpose-built to tackle any challenge on the jobsite. Since 1881, Pettibone has repeatedly established its place as the industry original. Everything we do is to better serve our customers and make their jobs safer and easier.

Pettibone Invents, Innovates, & Illustrates the Industry

From inventing the Cary-Lift – the first forward-reaching rough terrain handler – to pioneering advancements in other equipment like the only horizontal traveling booms on the Traverse and the more durable Extendo line of telescopic handlers, Pettibone has a proven track record of success and a reputation for excellence.

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Backed by The Heico Companies

Pettibone is backed by the global strength of The Heico Companies, a privately held, family-owned, American holding company. This grants us access to the vast network of resources shared by many other giants in the industry. Utilizing a buy and hold strategy for its operating companies, The Heico Companies fosters long-term growth while our independence is maintained.

With the financial backing of our $3.5B parent company and access to its investments in advanced technology and leading-edge drawing benches, Pettibone takes its place above the rest in the material handling equipment industry.

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The Pettibone Speed Swing Proudly Meets the ‘Buy America’ Guidelines

Pettibone is an United States company that proudly produces equipment like the Speed Swing, which can meet the “Build America, Buy America” standards.

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1881

“Pettibone, Mulliken and Company, Inc." is founded in Chicago, IL as a Manganese refinery.

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1937

“Pettibone, Mulliken and Company, Inc." is reorganized as Pettibone Mulliken Corporation.

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1946

Pettibone Mulliken makes its first corporate acquisition, buying Beardsley & Piper Company of Chicago.

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1949

First Cary-Lift is designed by Philip LaTendresse in L’Anse, Michigan.

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1951

Pettibone acquires Mandt Manufacturing (the creator of the “half-swing” loader) that was the precursor to what is known as the Speed Swing. Later that year, Pettibone acquired LaTendresse Manufacturing and rights to the Cary-Lift. LaTendresse Manufacturing is renamed to Pettibone Michigan.

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1953

Pettibone relocates to Pettibone relocates to 1100 Superior Avenue in Baraga, Michigan, where it currently operates today.

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1961

Pettibone expands its material handling capabilities by entering the crane market.

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1970

Pettibone releases what is believed to be the first telescopic forklift, the Extendo Model 88.

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1986

Speed Swing production moves from Chicago, IL, to Baraga, MI.

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1988

Pettibone is acquired by Michael Heisley, founder of The Heico Companies.

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1989

Pettibone Corporation acquires the Applied Research & Development Company (ARDCO). ARDCO also owned a telehandler division called Traverse Lift which was branded under the Pettibone name in the early 2000s.

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1990-1998

Pettibone introduces single joystick control for all boom functions to its telehandler lineup.

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2001

Pettibone Michigan becomes Pettibone/Traverse Lift, LLC.

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2009

Pettibone introduces its first heavy-duty 15,000-pound capacity telehandlers.

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2018

Pettibone releases the X-Series telehandler platform and reintroduces the Traverse model.

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2020

Pettibone celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Extendo Telehandler.

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2021

Pettibone acquires the former Baraga Armory to expand and optimize its parts and service offering. The new facility is named the NorthS.T.A.R.

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2024

Pettibone celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Cary-Lift.

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  • EXTENDO 944X

    EXTENDO 944X Featuring several next gen optimizations, the Extendo 944X telehandler is powered by a standard

  • EXTENDO 944X

    EXTENDO 944X Featuring several next gen optimizations, the Extendo 944X telehandler is powered by a standard

  • EXTENDO 944X

    EXTENDO 944X Featuring several next gen optimizations, the Extendo 944X telehandler is powered by a standard