Arnold Machinery in Minnesota has been acquired by Fairchild Equipment

Fairchild Equipment has acquired the assets and Hyster forklift dealership rights of Arnold Machinery locations in Minnesota. The company will continue operating from its current locations in Burnsville and Ham Lake, Minnesota, with the addition of two locations from the acquisition in Eagan and Grand Rapids.

Along with acquiring the assets and dealership rights to the Hyster brand, Fairchild has also absorbed 33 employees who will transition into the company from Arnold.  

Gary Fairchild, chairman of Fairchild Equipment, says: "When you start these acquisition conversations with so much mutual respect between buyer and seller, it comes together quickly in a positive manner for all parties involved. This was a truly amicable process throughout." 

Fairchild president and dealer principal Van Clarkson says: "It just didn't make sense anymore to compete with the same (line) in such an important market. We can now focus our attentions on the real competitors to grow our business." 

This acquisition marks the fourth significant purchase for the company since 2015. In April 2016, Fairchild acquired the assets of Lift Truck Specialists in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. A month later, it acquired the assets of American Warehouse Systems and DC Handling of Blaine, Minnesota.

Fairchild says the current acquisition will strengthen the company in the materials handling market segment by allowing Fairchild Equipment to be a distributor of both Hyster forklifts and Yale forklifts in the state of Minnesota. Fairchild Equipment will additionally have greater abilities in services provided now by serving Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, Upper Michigan and Northern Illinois. 

The changes made for the company in the last three years has sparked a new business operation with a deep focus on culture and growth. The expansive product line now includes materials handling, warehouse, construction and agriculture equipment; racking layout and systems solutions; fleet solutions; and comprehensive rental equipment, parts, service and training. 

"We have worked very hard to create a strong family culture here throughout our many acquisitions and rapid growth," Fairchild adds. "Arnold Machinery was a successful operation with many great people. We welcome our new employees into our family with open arms and are excited about what the future holds for the new combined operation."