In 2026, Carolina Handling celebrates 60 years of growth from a small equipment dealership to a leading integrated material handling solutions provider with more than 900 associates across our five-state territory, including more than 485 Field Service Technicians.
We have maintained 99 percent customer retention, reinforcing the strength of our long-term relationships and the value we provide beyond the initial sale.
From humble beginnings to an industry leader, Carolina Handling has innovated with purpose.
Through every season of change, we’ve grown by staying focused on what matters: our associates, our customers, and our communities.
Our logo, celebrating our 60th anniversary, is inspired by the service station in Charlotte, North Carolina, where our company was founded, and the original Carolina Handling logo.
Carolina Handling’s story began in 1966 when Don Pratt, National Sales Manager at Raymond Corporation in Greene, New York, acquired a struggling North Carolina equipment dealership named W.M. Anderson Company and opened operations in a former Charlotte service station. The company was soon renamed Carolina Handling.
From opening new facilities to continuing to meet our customers' needs with new offerings, Carolina Handling built a strong foundation in forklift sales and service. Territory expansion across the Southeast and recognition as a Dealer of Distinction by The Raymond Corporation have reinforced the company’s position as a trusted partner.
In 2006, Carolina Handling celebrated its 40th anniversary with 400 associates. In 2025, the company surpassed 900 associates, reflecting sustained growth. The opening of major facilities in South Fulton County, Georgia, in 2023, and Pickens County, South Carolina, in 2025, further strengthened our capabilities across our five-state territory.
Through every phase of growth, Carolina Handling has remained rooted in curiosity and consistency, continuously improving alongside our customers. We are proud of our legacy and excited about the future.
As Carolina Handling marks 60 years, Chief Operating Officer Joe Perkins reflects on what innovation really means. Perkins said Carolina Handling’s evolution from a forklift company to an integrated material handling solutions company didn’t happen by chasing technology. Perkins said it happened by staying close to our customers and solving real problems for real people.
“We have to be a student of our customers and the broader industry, so we can bring innovation that actually helps them solve real problems,” Perkins recently told WYFF News 4 Anchor Nigel Robertson, while appearing on an episode of the weekly program 4 The Record.
Perkins told Robertson that, over the past six decades, the material handling industry has transformed. Automation, data visibility and the speed of goods to consumers have redefined warehouse operations.
Perkins points to a defining theme in the company’s history.
“One perspective that feels especially relevant today is Carolina Handling’s long history of always adapting during periods of change. Whether it has been technology, the economy, customer expectations or other challenges, we have navigated these shifts. It proves operational challenges are not solved by standing still,” Perkins said.
Today, Carolina Handling supports customers with lift trucks, consultation, design, engineering, and implementation of storage and automation solutions to help customers achieve more space, speed, safety and efficiency with integrated technologies.
One of the most recent examples of Carolina Handling’s evolution is our new facility, the Intralogistics Solutions Center (ISC) in Easley, South Carolina.
The new 264,544-square-foot facility in Pickens County, South Carolina, opened in 2025.
Located at 285 Speedway Boulevard in Easley, near the former Greenville-Pickens Speedway, the facility consolidates warehouse and office space from four Upstate South Carolina locations under one roof.
“Our new Pickens County facility allows us to reduce waste, use our labor more efficiently, and deliver equipment that’s ready to be put into our customers’ operations the moment it arrives at their facility. This helps customers avoid downtime and keep operations moving,” Perkins said.
The new facility includes a Customer Experience Center where visitors can explore solutions and see live equipment demonstrations.
“The location in Pickens County, size and features of our new facility position us for future growth,” said Carolina Handling President and CEO Brent Hillabrand.
Hillabrand and Perkins are also connecting with customers and the community in a new way in 2026. They are co-hosts of Handled It: The Supply Chain Podcast, which focuses on business resilience, leadership, and operational excellence.
Perkins explains the meaning behind the name.
“While we are in the material handling industry, we handle a lot more than just pallets and boxes,” Perkins said.
Each episode looks to unpack critical pieces of business, and the decisions that lead to being able to say, “I handled it.” To mark Carolina Handling's 60th anniversary year, the first episode reviews six decades of evolution in material handling.
“A lot has changed at Carolina Handling in 60 years. This first episode gives us a chance to look back on some trends that didn’t last, but also some of the timeless principles that still matter 60 years later,” Perkins said.
For Hillabrand, 60 years in business is a testament to the people behind the company.
“It’s the quality of our associates. Over 50 percent of our hires are referrals. We continue to attract and develop the absolute best in the industry,” Hillabrand said.
Hillabrand said he is energized by the pace of change within the industry.
“It’s ever-changing. The speed of goods to the consumer has never been faster,” Hillabrand said.
Hillabrand shared the leadership principle that he says guides him.
“The golden rule. Honesty and integrity above all else,” Hillabrand said.
He said reaching 60 years also reinforces Carolina Handling’s commitment to customers.
“We have continued to lead in our market space. Customers can depend on us for our innovation and quality,” Hillabrand said.
Carolina Handling’s commitment extends beyond warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centers. Each fiscal year, which begins on April 1, the company selects a philanthropic focus aligned with community needs.
Previous focuses included assisting hunger relief organizations and Ronald McDonald House Charities.
We are winding down FY26, where our philanthropic focus was to Raise The Roof by supporting the homeless population and people in need. Together, associates:
Teams donated a car to a resident of The Dream Center’s Opportunity Village in Easley, South Carolina. New associates packed Birthday Boxes during orientation to support children and families at The Salvation Army, Miracle Hill Ministries, and Triune Mercy Center in Greenville, South Carolina.
Also in FY26, nearly 70 associates came together to make a meaningful difference during our multi-city Habitat for Humanity Build Day. Associates proudly worked side by side to paint, install siding, build decks and help create safe, stable housing.
Build Days were held in:
In total, associates contributed over 400 volunteer hours in a single day, supporting the build of five homes across Carolina Handling’s territory.
Carolina Handling also partnered with the Greenville Swamp Rabbits to host a Dream Big Holiday Bash for mothers and children served by The Dream Center in Easley, South Carolina.
In our 60th year, our philanthropic focus will support the next generation. We will dedicate ourselves to children and communities who will one day become the workforce of tomorrow.
Sixty years in business is a significant milestone, and the story is still being written.
Carolina Handling will continue to empower operations through smarter equipment, innovative technology and service that keeps customers moving forward. We will continue investing in our associates, strengthening communities and helping customers adapt to a rapidly changing industry.
When you are a Carolina Handling associate, you are part of a legacy. When you partner with Carolina Handling, you gain a team that is 60 years strong, and committed to innovation, quality, and long-term success.