by Trey Barber, on August 2, 2023 at 9:51 AM
It can be hard to imagine any company as a permanent fixture in a world where we've grown accustomed to tech booms and real estate bubbles. 20% of all American companies close their doors after a single year in business, and only about 5% continue beyond 30 years.
Yet in August of 2023, Mid Columbia Forklift proudly celebrates 45 years of continuing excellence. Read on to learn more about Mid Columbia Forklift's origins, its evolution into a valued material handling partner, and its next steps in providing comprehensive customer solutions for the future of the industry.
Origins
On August 1st, 1978, brothers Duane and Terry Bolinger opened the doors of their newly founded forklift provider, Mid Columbia Clarklift. Their first offices were in Yakima, Washington, where the Bolingers proudly sold, rented and serviced Clark forklifts.
The team of Mid Columbia and Clark proved to be an excellent pairing. Clark introduced the world's first IC forklift in 1924 and maintained a reputation for quality and innovation. The Bolingers saw an opportunity to combine quality forklifts with exceptional customer service.
The growing company flourished over the next 45 years, allowing Mid Columbia Forklift to expand beyond a simple forklift provider into the comprehensive partner they are today. After four and a half decades, Mid Columbia still represents Clark and has expanded to include Toyota, Doosan, Hangcha and a full complement of Material Handling equipment across the state of Washington.
Years of Innovation
Over the following years, Mid Columbia Forklift expanded like clockwork. Patricia Bolinger, Terry’s wife, besides being his executive assistant, successfully managed the rental fleet. Phil Hanford joined the team as Terry’s business partner in 1990. Collectively, they opened three additional branches in Pasco (1981), Wenatchee (1994), and Auburn (2005). This reliable growth widened the company's vision of the level of service they could provide their clients. Providing customers with excellent Service and Rental solutions has always been a core foundation of what Mid Columbia Forklift does!
Soon, they expanded the mobile servicing fleet capabilities and invested in a more diversified state-of-the-art rental fleet. Leveraging the cumulative experience of their team of expert technicians, Mid Columbia became a market leader in forklift sales parts, service, and rental. To this day, their service team and rental fleet are the best in Washington State.
However, Mid Columbia Forklift’s growth also offered opportunities for the company to move beyond simply supplying Washington with quality forklifts backed by unbeatable customer service. They could offer comprehensive material handling solutions with unwavering support that empowered clients to achieve their own dreams of success.
With that innovative mission, Mid Columbia Forklift moved beyond forklifts to support all facets of material handling. They brought on Factory Cat and PowerBoss to handle industrial cleaning. They delved into the world of intralogistics, pallet racking, and loading dock safety. During this period of game-changing innovation, the modern Mid Columbia Forklift was born.
Recognized Industry Leaders
Mid Columbia’s 45 years of dedicated service has not gone unnoticed. Their unparalleled commitment to customer service has rewarded them with a fiercely loyal customer base. This customer-centric mindset is routinely recognized through a laundry list of industry awards, including multiple Toyota President’s Awards, Clark President’s Awards, and Diamond Doosan awards.
While Mid Columbia doesn’t do what they do for the accolades, they do appreciate the recognition of their peers. Hanford noted, “These awards validate our commitment to delivering exceptional service and products. We are very proud of our extended family and what everyone does day in and day out to make our customers successful.”
Mid Columbia Forklift for the Future
Today, an electric revolution is taking over the forklift business, and Mid Columbia Forklift is leading the way. New technologies have improved the functionality of modern forklift batteries allowing electric forklifts to provide outstanding benefits that surpass many IC counterparts. Their reduction in greenhouse gasses has even prompted Washington to begin providing financial incentives for organizations that maintain an electric fleet.
To help Washington businesses make the most out of this bright future, Mid Columbia Forklift has introduced MidCo Power. This new subsidiary of Mid Columbia Forklift rebuilds, repairs, and repowers electric forklift motors, industrial batteries, and chargers. This new support from MidCo Power allows Mid Columbia Forklift to provide industry-leading electric forklifts for the lowest total cost of ownership on the market.
A Growing Team
Bolinger and Hanford have long recognized that passionate employees are the driving force behind Mid Columbia’s success. To ensure their team stays the best in the business, they invest heavily in on-going training and development programs. This dedication to their employees has proven to be the secret sauce that keeps Mid Columbia the best in Washington.
Empowering our Associates to individually grow and move up in the management of our business has made us a better employer and company as shown by the retention and experience of our team.” Phil Hanford
Today, their team continues to grow as Mid Columbia Forklift evolves to meet the changing landscape of material handling. With a wide variety of positions available at all 4 of their branches, they are looking for excited new team members to join the Mid Columbia family. So if you’re ready to join the team, check out their exciting job opportunities. Apply online or browse all of their available positions on their Careers page.
We at Mid Columbia Forklift over the years have had many successes of which I am quite proud of.
The one factor I believe I am most gratified by is the onboarding of success driven individuals and helping them develop into Material Handling Professionals over the years. All the while successfully raising their families.
These exemplary associates are the reason for our success. They are ingrained throughout all of our Branches and Departments.” Terry Bolinger
Auburn 253-854-5438
Pasco 509-547-7413
Wenatchee 509-663-9009
Yakima 509-457-5137
Further Reading
What Is the Washington Clean Fuel Act?
Power Technician Spotlight: Del Livingston & Zack Newman
Tune Up Your Career: Become a Forklift Technician
