After nine years in material handling sales in West Virginia and North Carolina, John L. Middleton came to the decision that his customers' challenges could be better solved using a variety of material handling products rather than a "forklift truck fixes all" approach. 

In 1971, he incorporated Carolina Material Handling, Inc and began representing an extensive lineup of nationally acclaimed material handling suppliers as well as stocking a small selection of hand-trucks in his home.

By 1973, the company had moved to a storefront on Spring Garden Rd. in Greensboro to accommodate an ever increasing inventory including a pickup mounted "Super Lift", drum handling items, winches, dollies, platform trucks and a variety of industrial casters.

With an eye to facilitating company growth and expanding sales territories, John Middleton brought on two partners: Joe Mehalick in 1974 and John W. Nutty in 1976.

The need for space to house the growing inventory lead to the purchase of a larger building in 1974 followed in 1987 by the purchase of the adjacent building on Patterson Court, which houses the company offices and warehouse.  As the company has expanded its business throughout the state, this central location near the crossroads of Interstates 85 and 40 has been beneficial for quick shipping of products and for customer accessibility.

Carolina Material Handling, Inc. has evolved from a few hand-trucks and a dream to a complete dealership with over 5,000 material handling products in stock; from one salesperson to a total of Ten experienced material handling experts serving GA, NC, SC and VA; and from offering simple material handling solutions to complete engineered systems.

In over thirty years of business, change is inevitable.  The original partners have retired and John L. Middleton IV is now president of the company.  However, the reputation established by the leadership through the years for prompt service, integrity, attention to detail and providing quality products has left a legacy of respect and loyalty.