Multiquip Celebrates 30th Anniversary; Sanders 50th

Feb. 1, 2003
Carson, Calif.-based Multiquip will celebrate its 30th anniversary this year, marking three decades of new product development, sales and service support,

Carson, Calif.-based Multiquip will celebrate its 30th anniversary this year, marking three decades of new product development, sales and service support, and the commitment of more than 500 employees to providing the construction and rental industries with light- and medium-sized construction equipment.

“For 30 years, Multiquip has been committed to supplying first-class equipment and service to our customers,” said Tom Yasuda, CEO.

Founded in Long Beach, Calif., in 1973 by the recently retired Irv Levine, Multiquip built its success by becoming the exclusive United States distributor for Mikasa's compaction equipment. In 1985, the company expanded into the pump and generator businesses by forming MQ Power to distribute sound-attenuated portable generators. In 1988, the company acquired Whiteman, and three years later, Essick and Mayco. It purchased Engine & Equipment in 2000, Stow Construction Equipment and Sanders Saws in 2001, and Diamond Back Blades in May 2002.

Today, Multiquip has surpassed more than $200 million in annual sales with offices in England, Mexico, Canada and Brazil.

The recently acquired Honey Brook, Pa.-based Sanders Saws celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

“We've had a lot of loyal customers who've stuck with us and have helped make Sanders Saws what it is today,” said Robert Priest, president. “The industry has changed drastically the last 50 years: The cost of diamond blades has dropped and the quality has improved significantly.”

Founded in 1953 by Eugene Sanders, the company serves the professional concrete contractor and the masonry, refractory and quarry industries. Sanders' Saws product line includes concrete and masonry saws, diamond core bits, diamond blades and grinding heads.

The company was among the first to develop the popular hotpressed process that blends powdered metals and diamonds to product diamond blades that boast faster cutter speeds, wear longer and are more cost efficient, according to the manufacturer.