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History of the Towlift Experience

Over a span of 50+ years, Towlift grew to one of the largest material handling dealerships in the country. Our experience enables us to provide customers a full range of material handling solutions today.

Our Founder

It all started in 1965, when Gerald N. Cannon founded Towlift, Inc. as a Towmotor dealership in Cleveland, Ohio.

His goal? To build up a forklift dealership that makes a big difference in the customer's experience.

By staying focused on that goal, Mr. Cannon led Towlift to regional growth for many years.

Following Caterpillar's purchase of Towmotor, Mr. Cannon moved the operation to a full-service facility, growing it steadily into one of the largest material handling dealerships in the Eastern half of the United States.

The success of Mr. Cannon's business won many awards such as Caterpillar Lift Truck Dealer of the Year, and Inside Business Magazine's list of the top 90 companies in the Cleveland area.

Mr. Cannon was known for his personal charm, brilliant business sense, and inquisitive nature. He coined the phrase, "It's the dealer that makes the difference," Towlift's company slogan, which will live on in his memory.

Towlift Founder Gerald Cannon

Decades of Growth

Towlift History Charity Railroad
Forklift Donation: Cuyahoga Scenic Valley Railroad
Towlift History Charity Rock Hall

Towlift Charitable Contribution: GuitarMania

Towlift History Charity Foodbank

Equipment Donation: Greater Cleveland Food Bank

Towlift Today

Towlift's Team is Dedicated to the Customer's Experience

The Towlift Team stands behind Mr. Cannon's original goal to this day. We are the dealer that makes the difference...for you.

READ WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY ABOUT US