Des Moines Hi-Lite - MH Equipment
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Des Moines Hi-Lite

Iowa Machinery & Supply opened for business in 1903. Our original location was in the heart of downtown Des Moines at 317 Court Avenue.  In 1953, we moved to our current location at 1711 Second Avenue in Des Moines.  Just a year earlier, we became a Hyster Dealer.  In 2001, MH Equipment purchased Iowa Machinery and finally, in 2008, the Material Handling Division took on the MH name.  The Industrial Division, to this day, remains Iowa Machinery continuing on the century old tradition. 

The Des Moines branch has 32 employees and is quite unique in that it houses several business units of the MH Equipment Family including, Iowa Machinery and MH Distribution.

Iowa Machinery & Supply began in 1903 by supplying products such as belting, hose, steel pipe, steam pumps and engineering equipment. Today we have expanded our offering and continue to offer expert advice on a full line of industrial products for manufacturing, metalworking, industrial woodworking, maintenance and machine tools.

MH Distribution was established in 2006 and offers the Mariotti line of lift trucks. Touted as the “The Most Compact Electric Riders in the Market” these tiny machines can fit through a standard doorway! While the official headquarters are located in La Vista, NE several daily operations for the company, such as, accounting, prospecting, and marketing are conducted from the Des Moines office. 

We have a great team in Des Moines and all seem to really enjoy ourselves at work.  In fact, when asked, the Des Moines employees unanimously agreed that by far the Service Department, and in particular, Kurt Martens (Assistant Service Manager), are our biggest jokesters!

One of our favorite things to do here is eat tasty treats!  It was no surprise that Mary Johnson’s  (Accounts Payable Administrator) brownies were voted “out of this world” delicious and Ron Johnson’s (Parts Sales Representative) wife always comes through with something yummy! On that note… when asked who they would send to participate on the TV show “Survivor”, several people nominated Todd Murray (Director of Operations).  Why?  Because he will eat ANYTHING! 

Come fall there is always a lot of “friendly” banter among the Des Moines Employees.  College football is a major point of discussion and there is a pretty even split between The Iowa State University Cyclones and University of Iowa Hawkeyes.  Every year in mid-September you’ll see plenty of Black and Gold and Cardinal and Gold around the office.  Everyone decorates their space to signify their team spirit.  We also have a “Tailgating Party” which includes a “Best Dressed Fan” prize, food, and games!

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