LiftSmart Celebrates 15 Years with ARA Show Giveaway and Product Preview
- Meagan Wood
- Jan 16
- 3 min read
30 Second Takeaway
LiftSmart is celebrating 15 years in business with a giveaway and preview of new products at this year’s ARA Show in Orlando. Founded in a California garage in 2011, the US manufacturer has grown into a global supplier of portable material lifts, supported by a domestic manufacturing base and strong ties to the rental industry.
Marking 15 Years of LiftSmart
US portable material lift manufacturer LiftSmart is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a special giveaway and a preview of upcoming products at the ARA Show in Orlando, taking place at the start of March.
The milestone reflects the company’s growth from a small startup to an established supplier serving rental companies and contractors in the US and international markets.
From Garage Prototype to ARA Debut
The Early Years
LiftSmart began in a garage in California, where Genie and MEC veteran Steve Citron and his father-in-law, Ron Bundy, hand-built the company’s first prototype—the 18.7ft MLC-18.
The company made its public debut at the 2011 ARA Show in Las Vegas, where it sold approximately 60 machines.
Reflecting on that first show, Steve Citron said:
“After that first show, we believed our new company could be something special. We were exhausted but so grateful for all of the support we received from the rental industry and our new customers.”
Expanding the Product Range
Building a Broad Lift Portfolio
Following its ARA debut, LiftSmart rapidly expanded its product line. Today, the portfolio includes:
MLC Series: MLC-12 (13.3ft / 4m), MLC-18 (18.7ft), and MLC-24 (24.4ft / 7.4m)
MLI Industrial Pro Series: Eight models ranging from 5 to 25ft (1.5 to 7.6m)
MLM Mini Pro Series: Three models ranging from 12 to 20ft (3.3 to 6.1m), designed with European markets in mind
As demand grew, LiftSmart quickly outgrew its original garage workspace, opening two manufacturing facilities and expanding into international markets in 2014.
Made in the USA
Domestic Manufacturing Advantage
All LiftSmart products are manufactured in the United States, with key components sourced from domestic suppliers including Colson Caster Company (Ohio) and Dutton-Lainson (Nebraska).
The company says this domestic supply chain enabled it to maintain production and delivery schedules during recent global supply chain disruptions, reinforcing reliability for rental customers.
Anniversary Giveaway and Product Preview
Celebrating with the Rental Industry
To mark its 15-year milestone, LiftSmart will give away a 15.8ft (4.8m) MLI-15 material lift at this year’s ARA Show. All rental company attendees are eligible to enter the draw at the LiftSmart booth, with the winner to be announced during the event.
LiftSmart will also preview new products, with further details to be revealed at the show.
Citron added:
“The giveaway of our MLI-15 is a small thank you to the many ARA member companies who have supported our journey since it began at The ARA Show in 2011. Without the support of this association and its members, we would not be where we are today.”
About LiftSmart
LiftSmart is a US-based manufacturer of portable material lifts designed for rental, industrial, and commercial applications. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in California, the company designs and manufactures its products in the United States, operating from production facilities in Vista, California.
LiftSmart’s range includes compact, easy-to-use material lifts engineered for durability, safety, and rental-fleet performance. With a strong focus on domestic manufacturing and close collaboration with the rental industry, LiftSmart continues to expand its product portfolio and global reach.
Website: https://www.liftsmart.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What milestone is LiftSmart celebrating
?LiftSmart is celebrating 15 years in business.
Where did LiftSmart begin?
The company began in a garage in California, where its first prototype was hand-built.
What event is LiftSmart using to mark the anniversary?
LiftSmart is celebrating at the ARA Show in Orlando with a giveaway and product previews.
What product is being given away?
A 15.8ft (4.8m) MLI-15 material lift will be given away to an eligible rental company attendee.
Where are LiftSmart products manufactured?
All LiftSmart products are manufactured in the United States.
