More Than Material Handling. Service, Support and Community
AK Material Handling, Fairchild Equipment and Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas share what it truly means to give back.
By Nicole Needles
ACROSS THE COUNTRY, MHEDA member companies are proving that their impact extends far beyond warehouses, shop floors and offices. With a shared commitment to service and generosity, these organizations are giving back in powerful ways – whether through hands-on volunteerism, charitable donations or partnerships with local nonprofits. Their efforts not only strengthen the communities where they live and work but also reflect the values that define the material handling industry: collaboration, care and a dedication to lifting others up.
AK Material Handling Systems
At AK Material Handling Systems, community service is more than a responsibility. It’s a shared passion that unites employees and strengthens local connections.
Through its dedicated volunteer team, The Give Back Crew (GBC), AK employees are making a meaningful impact in their communities while fostering stronger connections within the company.
One of The GBC’s longest-standing partnerships is with Hammer & NER, a nonprofit that provides people with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to live meaningful, self-directed lives. The connection deepened after attending Reach for Ralph, Hammer & NER’s annual fundraising event, where the financial challenges of supporting basic client needs became clear.
“The Give Back Crew is specifically interested in helping to fill this gap,” said Danielle Strege, senior accountant at AK Material Handling Systems.
This summer, that commitment tangibly came to life. The GBC funded the replacement of a non-ADA-compliant driveway at a Hammer & NER group home, making it safer and easier for residents and staff to access their garage.
“The new driveway enables residents and staff to access their garage more safely and comfortably,” Strege shared. Projects like this demonstrate how small groups of dedicated employees can create lasting improvements for those in need.
Looking ahead, The GBC maintains a full calendar of activities, aiming to complete at least one initiative each month. This fall, their focus includes three Walk to End Alzheimer’s events across Pennsylvania, Minnesota and Florida, as well as local efforts like the Magnus & Friends Festival and Pack to the Max for Second Harvest Heartland.
Employee involvement is at the heart of these efforts. Each initiative is led by a “Champion,” who coordinates activities and recruits volunteers. This structure not only spreads leadership opportunities across the team but also allows The GBC to support a diverse range of causes. One of the most popular company-wide traditions is Games for Charity, held every October. Employees donate a small amount to join in trivia, bingo or Pictionary, with proceeds going to the winner’s charity of choice.
“Giving in and of itself is inherently rewarding to the giver, but we also try to incorporate a little fun into everything we do,” Strege explained.
For AK Material Handling Systems, philanthropy is about showing up, working together and multiplying impact through partnerships.
As Strege put it, “We love sharing our volunteer experiences. The impact is so much greater when we can work in larger numbers.”
Fairchild Equipment
At Fairchild Equipment, giving back isn’t just a corporate initiative; it’s a part of the company’s DNA. Since its founding in 1985, the organization has lived by the principle of being “Active in Our Communities,” a value instilled by founder Gary Fairchild.
“Gary believed in being a good steward to the communities where our employees and customers live and work, and that belief has been a guiding principle ever since,” said Melissa Barnes, director of marketing at Fairchild Equipment. “It’s not just about doing business. It’s about making a meaningful impact and fostering strong, vibrant communities.”
That commitment shows up in many forms. Fairchild Equipment supports local youth sports, veterans’ groups, scholarship programs and not-for-profit organizations dedicated to medical research. The company also provides equipment donations to organizations that need them most. Forklifts, for example, have been donated to groups like Feeding America and local food banks, giving those organizations the resources to better serve families in need.
One of the company’s proudest recent efforts involved donating two forklifts within the last year to organizations fighting hunger.
“Forklifts play a crucial role in helping the organizations distribute food to those in need, amplifying their ability to serve the community,” Barnes explained. For employees, seeing their products and expertise directly support such vital work was deeply rewarding. “It’s moments like these that reinforce our shared purpose and bring us closer together as a team and as a community. When we lift each other up, we all rise.”
Employee involvement is central to Fairchild Equipment’s outreach. Many of the organizations that receive support are chosen because employees bring them forward, reflecting personal passions and connections. To encourage participation, the company offers paid volunteer time off, empowering employees to dedicate work hours to causes they care about. Beyond that, teams often volunteer together, including for initiatives like Operation Christmas Child, where they pack shoeboxes with gifts and necessities for children who might otherwise go without.
Looking ahead, Fairchild Equipment has no plans of slowing down.
“We’re excited to continue our efforts to support the community in meaningful ways,” Barnes said, noting that a donation to a new food bank is already planned. The company also stays engaged in local business alliances, ensuring it remains an active voice in community improvement conversations.
Forty years after its founding, Fairchild Equipment remains proud of the culture of giving that has shaped its history. As Barnes summed it up: “United, we hold the power for profound change.”
Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas
Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas has demonstrated its heart for the community time and time again.
“Our commitment to giving back to the community isn’t the result of a single moment or cause,” Marilyn Restrepo, marketing communications specialist at Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas, said. “Instead, it’s a fundamental part of our corporate culture that has been important to us from the very beginning. We believe that being a good corporate citizen is essential, and this value is deeply embedded in our operations.”
The company’s impact is felt across Houston and beyond. For more than two decades, Cat® Lift Trucks has supported the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, providing lift trucks for an event that benefits Texas youth and education. The Cat® Lift Trucks Scholarship Program has awarded $145,000 to 28 local students since 2005. Initiatives like Make-A-Wish, local food bank support and Helping Paws Animal Shelter partnerships show the company’s range of community involvement.
Employees are at the heart of these efforts. From community clean-ups to fitting children with new shoes through The SHOES (Shoes Help Our Elementary Students) Program, team members actively lend their time and energy.
“Earlier this year, our Houston team won a Bronze President’s Volunteer Service Award from the Houston Food Bank for completing 100-249 hours of volunteer service within a 12-month period,” Restrepo shared. “This commitment to hands-on involvement highlights the company’s dedication to making a difference beyond financial contributions.”
One recent initiative captured the spirit of the company perfectly. Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas hosted a beach-themed send-off party for Christian, a 6-year-old Make-A-Wish child whose dream was a Disney Cruise.
“For Christian and his family, the party served as a joyous celebration and a memorable kick-off to his wish. For our team, the experience was incredibly inspiring and heartwarming. Christian’s contagious energy and spirit filled our workplace, and it was a powerful reminder of the positive change we can create,” Restrepo said.
Moving forward, the company plans to deepen existing partnerships while exploring new opportunities to make a meaningful impact.
“We are always seeking new ways to contribute and are open to exploring causes that align with our company values,” Restrepo noted. “At Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas, we believe that our success is linked to the resilience of the communities where we live and work. By investing our time and resources in these communities, we can help address local needs and foster a sense of shared purpose among our team.”
The Lasting Impact
of Giving Back
These MHEDA members remind us that success is measured not only in business growth but also in the difference we make in people’s lives. Their stories are a testament to the power of giving back and the ripple effect it creates: building stronger neighborhoods, inspiring employees and elevating the industry as a whole. By sharing their time, talent and resources, these companies are helping ensure that both their communities and the material handling profession continue to thrive.
