Nearly 50 Years of Material Handling Experience
Founded in 1976, Northwest Forklift’s history explains why customers trust us to keep their operations moving today.
Founded in 1976 as Northwest Datsun Lift Trucks
Northwest Forklift was founded in 1976 under the name Northwest Datsun Lift Trucks, Inc. At the time, the company represented a single product line. Datsun lift trucks were known for straightforward design, durable engines, and dependable performance in industrial environments.
The business was built from the ground up with a focus on equipment that could work consistently, last longer than expected, and be serviced without unnecessary complexity. That early focus on durability and practicality allowed the company to grow steadily and remain in operation while many other dealers came and went.
As the Datsun brand transitioned to Nissan, the business evolved as well, eventually becoming Northwest Forklift while continuing to serve the Pacific Northwest.
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Why Datsun and Nissan Shaped Our Approach
One of the key reasons Northwest Forklift succeeded early on was the equipment itself. Datsun and later Nissan manufactured their own engines and designed them to work in direct alignment with their transmissions and drivetrains. That system level engineering resulted in lift trucks that ran cleaner, delivered better fuel efficiency, and held up longer under daily use.
Because the engine and transmission were designed together, the trucks were also easier to service and maintain over time. This mattered to customers who depended on their equipment every day and to technicians who needed to keep machines running with minimal downtime.
That experience shaped how Northwest Forklift evaluates equipment to this day. We prioritize solutions that are engineered to work as complete systems and deliver long term reliability rather than short term features.
Growth, Training, and Modern Solutions
As material handling technology has advanced, Northwest Forklift has expanded beyond its original single line roots. Today, we support multiple manufacturers and a wide range of equipment types, including internal combustion, electric, lithium ion, and specialized warehouse solutions.
With that expansion came increased technical complexity. To meet those demands, we continue to invest in technician training, service capabilities, and parts inventory so we can properly support both traditional and modern equipment.
While our history is grounded in durable, mechanical reliability, our focus remains on helping customers choose equipment that fits their application, their environment, and their long term operating needs.
