A legacy built on integrity, people and proven solutions.
By Nicole Needles
FOR MORE THAN six decades, Advanced Equipment Company (AEC) has served as a trusted partner in the material handling industry, delivering tailored solutions by listening and truly understanding customers’ challenges, then developing reliable solutions with OEM partners.
“Herman built the company on honesty, fairness and respect for the customer. Those principles still guide how we do business every day,” Darin Boik, president of AEC said.
A pivotal moment in AEC’s early history came in 1964, when the company formed a relationship with Hytrol Conveyor Company.
“That partnership became the foundation for our growth. Even after sixty years together, we continue to value the relationship and the trust we have built with Hytrol,” Boik said.
That transformation accelerated in 1976, when Larry Abernathy – who had joined the company working in the warehouse – purchased the business. Under Abernathy’s guidance, AEC embraced a new era of growth and capability.
“Larry’s leadership defined who we became as a company. He built a strong culture centered on people and doing what is right. When he later passed leadership to Daryle Ogburn and then to me, the focus stayed the same, serving our customers with integrity and care,” Boik said.
While technology and industry demands have evolved dramatically since 1960, AEC’s culture has remained grounded in loyalty, mutual respect and commitment to doing right by customers and employees.
“From the beginning, AEC has always focused on doing what is right for our customers and for each other. Many of our employees have been with us for decades, and that kind of loyalty says everything about who we are as a company,” he said. “We take pride in creating an environment where people want to stay, grow and take care of our customers as if they were their own.”
The material handling field has transformed dramatically over the years, shifting from simple conveyors to sophisticated technology-driven systems.
“The industry has evolved from simple conveyors to complete systems that integrate automation, robotics and controls to improve flow and efficiency. The technology has changed in every way, but one thing has not: People still buy from people. Relationships matter just as much today as they did sixty years ago,” Boik emphasized.
Looking ahead, AEC is focused on sustaining its core mission.
“Our focus will remain on designing quality systems, using proven technology and communicating honestly with our customers. We will keep strengthening relationships with our customers and vendors while investing in the growth of our people. Great systems start with great people, and that will always be the center of our success,” he said.
Today’s businesses expect more – faster speeds, modular designs, flexibility and ease of maintenance. AEC meets those expectations by emphasizing practicality and partnership.
“We take the time to listen and ask questions until we truly understand what our customers need. Our goal is to recommend what is best for them, even if it means suggesting a product we do not sell,” Boik said. “We see ourselves as a partner, working alongside our customers to get the right result.”
As technology continues to advance and more companies enter the automation space, AEC stays focused on what it does best, vetting solutions carefully and making sure they perform over the long run. Preparation, communication and trust built through strong relationships are what set the company apart.
Ultimately, the company’s mission is simple: Show up, listen and do right by the customer.
“We are proud of our history and the relationships that got us here, but we are just as excited about where we are headed. Integrity will continue to guide every decision, and we will always do what is right for our customers, our people and our partners,” he said.
