Our 50-Year History
Since 1975
A Legacy of Growth & Service
From a small local operation to the Tri-State region's leading material handling solutions provider.
Bernie's Equipment Founded
Bernie's Equipment Company was established in Holmen, Wisconsin, with a mission to provide quality material handling equipment and service to local businesses in the La Crosse area.
First Major Forklift Dealership
Secured our first major forklift manufacturer partnership, enabling us to offer new equipment sales alongside our growing repair and service business.
Expanded Service Area
Extended service coverage into Southeast Minnesota and Northeast Iowa, establishing Bernie's as a true Tri-State material handling provider.
10th Anniversary & Facility Expansion
Celebrated 10 years in business with a major expansion of our Holmen facility, adding dedicated service bays and a larger parts inventory warehouse.
Full-Service Material Handling
Evolved from primarily forklift sales and service to a comprehensive material handling solutions provider, adding conveyor systems, racking, and dock equipment to our offerings.
20th Anniversary Milestone
Marked two decades of serving the Tri-State region. By this time, Bernie's had built a reputation as the go-to source for material handling expertise in Western Wisconsin.
Warehouse Design Services Launched
Introduced professional CAD-based warehouse design and layout services, helping customers optimize storage capacity and material flow in their facilities.
Entered the New Millennium
Invested in advanced diagnostic equipment and expanded our factory-trained technician team to meet growing demand for specialized equipment service.
30 Years of Excellence
Celebrated 30 years in business. Expanded manufacturer partnerships to include Advance Lifts, Anver, Bishamon, Cascade, and other leading brands.
Rental & Leasing Programs
Launched comprehensive rental and leasing programs to give customers flexible options for accessing equipment without large capital expenditures.
Online Product Catalog
Launched our online product catalog, making it easier for customers to browse equipment options and request quotes from anywhere in our service area.
40th Anniversary
Four decades of serving the Tri-State region. Bernie's Equipment had grown from a small local operation to the region's leading material handling solutions provider.
Hyundai Construction Partnership
Became an authorized Hyundai Construction Equipment dealer, adding excavators and wheel loaders to serve the construction industry in our region.
Adapted Through Challenges
Maintained full service operations throughout unprecedented challenges, ensuring our customers' critical material handling equipment stayed operational when they needed it most.
Automation & Technology Focus
Expanded into automated storage and retrieval systems, AGV technology, and advanced warehouse automation solutions to meet evolving customer needs.
Approaching 50 Years
As we approach our 50th anniversary, Bernie's Equipment continues to innovate and grow while staying true to our founding principles of quality products, expert service, and genuine customer partnerships.
Partner With a Company That's Built to Last
Nearly 50 years of experience means we know how to solve your material handling challenges.