Our History at ACT
ACT has over 50 years of experience providing superior service and building relationships in the material handling industry.
Established In 1973
ACT has been owned by Vann Williford since 1973. Since then, we have amassed a large amount of experience in the material handling and construction industry. From our sales staff to our service department, ACT team members are ready to help with a wealth of industry experience. If you need advice on what you should purchase, rent or service, just ask one of our associates. Contact us today, we are here to help.
The Beginning
Vann Williford becomes the owner of Vesco Material Handling Equipment Inc. with the goal of providing the best customer service in the material handling industry. Vann assembled a team of people with similar goals and industry experience to move the company forward. This picture shows construction of the High Point facility in 1978 with Vann Williford holding his son Jay Williford.
Incorporated
Vesco Material Handling Equipment Inc. committed to the Virginia market with facility expansion in the Bassett, Virginia area. Southern Virginia was thriving as industry leading manufacturers from textile, tobacco, and furniture owned manufacturing and distribution centers in the area.
New Opportunities
Industrial growth began in the Eastern North Carolina area stretching from the South Carolina line to Morehead. The decision was made to expand to Wilmington, NC to service the eastern NC countries. Offering customers increased productivity through products and services offered by Vesco.
Rebranding
Atlantic Coast ToyotaLift became our official name as the decision was made for Vesco Material Handling Equipment Inc. to doing business as Atlantic Coast ToyotaLift. The name change allowed the company to leverage one of the most recognized names in the world, Toyota, as well as better describe our geographical presence and markets served. With market areas in North Carolina and Virginia and with a presence on the coast, the name came easy and the rest is history.
Expanding
Expansion continues in the Virginia market as ACT adds another facility, this time in Roanoke, Virginia. The physical location is on the north side of Roanoke and offers preferred access to customers and the interstate to reduce travel times. The small geographically sized county of Roanoke accounts for 55% of the Virginia market for ACT.
New Headquarters
The corporate office for ACT moves from High Point to Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The move actually occurs during the long weekend of July 4, 2006. The new facility provides additional shop space, warehouse space and parts storage areas.
New Things to Offer
ACT Construction Equipment is formed in late 2008 with the goal of creating additional opportunities for growth for ACT in the construction equipment market. Major lines that fall into the Construction Division are; JLG, Aichi, Manitou and Takeuchi, providing the product for the demand in Track Loaders, Excavators, Telehandlers, Scissor Lifts, Boom Lifts and Rough Terrain equipment.
Adding More
ACT's Dock & Door Division is founded to offer more fully rounded products and services to our material handling customers. The addition of Dock & Door services makes ACT a one-stop-shop for many needs in the warehouse.
Growing
In March of 2021, ACT Construction Equipment opens a new location in Asheville to meet the demand for construction equipment in western North Carolina.
Merging
Atlantic Coast Toyotalift and ACT Construction Equipment merge their locations in Virginia. The new facility is centrally located in Roanoke and offers increased storage and service areas, allowing for greater productivity.
New Location
A new location is established in Clayton, NC just southeast of Raleigh for ACT Construction Equipment. Located near Highway 70, the new branch is perfectly placed to be a convenient resource for Doosan heavy and compact construction equipment as well as Bandit wood chippers and stump grinders, FAE tracked carriers and Avant compact wheel loaders.
Welcoming SC
A new location is opened in Conway, SC just inland from Myrtle Beach to service the busy greater Grand Strand area. The location features Takeuchi, Bandit, FAE, Avant and CMC work platforms.
Celebrate
ACT celebrates its 50th year offering solutions to the material handling and construction industries.
The New ACT
ACT Material Handling and ACT Construction Equipment rebrand in response to growth and in anticipation of future opportunities both in services and locations served.
More to Offer in SC
ACT opens a branch in Rock Hill, SC to serve the York County, Lancaster County and Chester County areas.
