Jarvis Handling Equipment

Our Mission

At Jarvis Handling, our mission is to provide efficient, reliable, high-quality material handling equipment and solutions that enhance productivity, safety, and are customized to meet our clients’ specific needs. Building strong, long-term customer relationships is at the core of our business, ensuring personalized service, timely communication, and tailored solutions at competitive prices. Focused on innovation and collaboration, we are committed to delivering exceptional value and support throughout every partnership.

About Us

Jarvis Handling Equipment Co. was established in 1958 and has since built a solid reputation for delivering high-quality, cost-effective material handling and ergonomic solutions across a diverse range of industries, including industrial, commercial, and retail sectors. As a women-owned and veteran-run company, we bring a unique combination of dedication, leadership, and a strong commitment to excellence. We are committed to offering both standard products and custom-engineered systems that enhance operational efficiency, improve workplace safety, and reduce costs for our clients.

Our comprehensive range of products includes conveyors and conveyor systems, lifting and elevation equipment such as scissor lift tables, work positioners, jib and bridge cranes, vacuum lifters, hoists, and stackers. We also provide storage and space solutions, including racking, modular offices, and mezzanines, along with essential equipment like carts, pallet trucks, ladders, and drum handling tools. In addition, we specialize in custom solutions and fabrication services, collaborating closely with trusted manufacturers to create tailored products that address the unique needs of each customer.

With offices in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Nashville, Tennessee, Jarvis Handling Equipment Co. is dedicated to providing outstanding service and timely communication. Our team works closely with clients to understand their specific requirements, conduct site assessments to ensure the most effective solutions, and provide cost-efficient recommendations that add value to their operations. We pride ourselves on offering competitive pricing, rapid response times, and smooth coordination throughout every stage of the project, from initial consultation to final installation.

At Jarvis Handling Equipment Co., we are more than just suppliers; we are trusted partners focused on the long-term success of your business. We look forward to helping you meet all your material handling and ergonomic solution needs.

Executive Team

Susan Smith

Owner & President

Paul Hart

Director of Sales and Business Development

Allison Desrochers

Director of Marketing

Susan Smith

Owner & President

Susan Smith’s journey to owning Jarvis Handling began with a childhood dream of entrepreneurship and a background rooted in manufacturing. After working at a diecast manufacturing plant, where she assisted with operations and efficiency improvements, Susan went on to earn a degree in Finance while volunteering in her community. In 2004, she joined Jarvis Handling as an office clerk, quickly stepping up to manage the business. Her leadership helped the company weather a recession, and by 2014, Susan took the bold step of purchasing the business, officially becoming the owner in November of 2014.

As the owner of Jarvis Handling, Susan is dedicated to providing innovative solutions that improve her clients workplaces. Her mission is centered on delivering top-notch customer service and fostering strong partnerships with manufacturers to ensure successful outcomes for every project. A passionate advocate for women in a male-dominated industry, Susan is proud of how Jarvis Handling has grown under her leadership, overcoming challenges and adapting to an ever-evolving market.

Looking to the future, Susan’s vision is to continue building a team that is both talented and customer-focused, while growing the business in a way that stays ahead of industry trends. With a commitment to excellence and a customer-first mentality, Susan is shaping the future of Jarvis Handling while staying grounded in the company’s long-standing values.

Paul Hart

Director of Sales and Business Development

Paul Hart is the Director of Sales and Business Development at Jarvis Handling, where he leads the company’s growth in modular and platform solutions. With over 14 years of experience in the construction and manufacturing sectors, Paul’s background includes roles in a large modular construction company and a foundation in a family-run construction business. Paul is also a veteran, having served in the army before transitioning into the construction industry.

Since joining Jarvis in 2022, Paul has played a key role in driving the company’s expansion, helping achieve its highest sales and revenue year in 2023. His expertise in product knowledge, design, and project management enables him to create innovative, cost-effective solutions for clients facing production and space challenges. Paul is passionate about building strong, long-term relationships with clients, ensuring that Jarvis continues to deliver value and stay ahead of industry trends.

Allison Desrochers

Director of Marketing

Allison Desrochers joined Jarvis Handling as the Marketing Director in 2024, bringing a strong foundation in business development, marketing, and the supply chain industry. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Grand Valley State University and is skilled in communication and strategic marketing. At Jarvis, Allison plays a key role in advancing the company’s mission to provide businesses with efficient, reliable material handling and ergonomic solutions. Her work focuses on crafting marketing strategies that highlight Jarvis’s commitment to enhancing operational productivity, safety, and efficiency through high-quality products and tailored solutions.

Passionate about business and personal growth, Allison is dedicated to building strong, long-term relationships with clients and colleagues alike. She is focused on supporting Jarvis’s continued expansion by bringing creativity and innovation to the marketing efforts while ensuring that customer satisfaction and service excellence remain at the forefront of the company’s goals. Through her contributions, Allison helps strengthen Jarvis’s presence and impact in the industry as the company moves forward.