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[RayG]

I stopped by a local dealer in my home state (NH) to look at the Handy Lifts and accessories. The owner told me that Handy was in the process of closing the doors or have already closed. Not sure of any details. This shop has some inventory left and we are a tax free state, if anyone wants more info they can e-mail me for the contact info. I would offer to pick up anything for members but I sold my truck last night so I have no way of picking one up right now. 

Ray G.

[Twolanerider]

Website for Handy Industries is still up but their phone isn't being answered.

[mjb765]

Website for Handy Industries is still up but their phone isn't being answered.

That can't be good

[mrmagloo]

Whoa - I was wondering why the Rep never returned my messages last month??   

[mrmagloo]

Yeah, I just called one of their larger dealers, and something is definitely going on. He's thinking that someone will take them over, or it will be reorganized, but they still haven't received any official correspondence on the matter. Everyone's in limbo. Bad news...

[joew]

Closed down operations in July -- local paper says:

 Handy Industries, a Marshalltown manufacturer of professional shop equipment, closed its doors for business on Friday and laid off all of its employees.

At the time of the closing, the decision affected approximately 30 employees, according to information from a former employee who wished to remain anonymous.

Employees left on Friday with paychecks and have been asked to return this week to collect personal belongings, complete documents concerning extended benefits and collect final compensation, according to information released by Kevin Hamernik, a consultant with Hamernik LLC, an Indianapolis-based consulting firm overseeing the administration of the company.

Pressures of the economy impacted Handy's financial performance and despite continued investment in and recapitalization of the company, Handy eventually succumbed to those pressures. Hamernik said the closing was abrupt but necessary before incurring further liabilities to creditors, which could not be met and causing parties further harm.

It is believed that all creditors will be paid some amounts.

Handy Industries was founded in Marshalltown in 1964 by Bud Sieverding, Charlie Lander and two other partners and has provided years of employment for the local market. Prior to closing, the company was listed for sale; however, complexities concerning the acquisition are believed to have stalled sale negotiations.

The closing of the company is now anticipated to provide buyers a cleaner target for acquisition. The company has already been contacted by several buyers and hopes to have a firm deal within days.

There is still a chance that a new company, in some form, could resume operations in Marshalltown.

"If there was an acquisition, certain parties have suggested the possibility of continuing operations in the area," Hamernik said. "There are no commitments at this time.

[sadunbar]

It's very sad to see an American manufacturer who produced a quality product fail.       Handy Lifts was a staple to their local community and to the industry....

[mjb765]

Hopefully someone or some company will buy them and keep them going in the current location.

[sugarbear20]

Website for Handy Industries is still up but their phone isn't being answered.

I just talked to a lady at the plant. She said owners closed the doors July 23rd. But they were in process of getting new owners and should be back in business in a couple of weeks. She said the plan was to keep same distributor network and everything should be same. (phone numbers etc. ) She also said if you were in their data bank ( you had ordered anything from them or were a dealer ) you would be getting a letter explaining everything. So just an owners name change.

[Talon]

Yep, saw this the other day, here's a note from Occhio Lungo, http://occhiolungo.wordpress.com/.

 Handy Industries has recently closed. If you need replacement parts, try to get them quickly through your local distributor before they run out. Handy may get purchased by new owners and re-open, keep your fingers crossed.

Craig

[mrmagloo]

Someone will definitely pick them up. There is just too valuable of a tradename and channel. I'd bet it won't be in a matter of weeks, but certainly by years end.

[JoMo]

It's very sad to see an American manufacturer who produced a quality product fail.       Handy Lifts was a staple to their local community and to the industry....

                Yes it is sad when an American company goes out of business I only hope that if it reopens its
owned by us and not an out of towner JMHO

                                        Jo Mo NYC 

[Chains]

                Yes it is sad when an American company goes out of business I only hope that if it reopens its
owned by us and not an out of towner JMHO

                                        Jo Mo NYC 

X2

[charles05663]

I wanted to give everyone the good new!  Handy Lifts was purchased by a private equity group and is starting started to ship again.  I figured the best time to buy one is now before the equity group changes the manufacturing and cheapens the product or ships it overseas.