Our Founders' Legacy
Family-Owned Forklift Sales & Service in the GTA Since 1997
Premier Lift Equipment was founded in February 1997 with a simple belief: small and mid-sized businesses deserve honest, reliable material-handling equipment without paying new-equipment prices.
What began in a small Mississauga home has grown into one of the GTA's longest-operating independent forklift dealers — still family-owned, still local, and still focused on doing right by our customers.
For nearly three decades, we've helped businesses across Mississauga, Brampton, Etobicoke, Vaughan, Toronto, and the surrounding GTHA run safer, leaner, and more efficient operations.
How Premier Lift Began
Premier Lift was founded by J.W. Porter, who recognized early on how challenging it was for local businesses to access dependable forklift equipment without overspending or accepting inconsistent service.
Rather than building the business around new-equipment sales alone, J.W. focused on practical solutions that solved real operational problems:
- Quality used forklifts, professionally reconditioned and safety-certified
- Flexible rentals to meet short-term and seasonal demands
- Preventive maintenance and responsive repairs to reduce downtime
The objective was never to be the biggest dealer in the market — it was to be the most dependable partner for businesses that needed straightforward advice and equipment they could trust.
That philosophy shaped Premier Lift from the very beginning — and it continues to guide how we operate today.
J.W. Porter — Portrait pictured during his service with the Royal Canadian Legion
Built for Practical, Local Businesses
From day one, Premier Lift focused on customers who needed equipment to perform, not impress:
- Warehousing and distribution operations
- Manufacturing facilities
- Contractors and construction support fleets
- Growing small and mid-sized businesses
By staying closely aligned with our customers' daily challenges, we built long-term relationships instead of transactional sales. Many of the businesses we support today have worked with Premier Lift for years — some since the company's early days.
What We Do Today
While equipment technology and safety standards have evolved, our core mission remains the same. Premier Lift provides end-to-end material-handling support, including:
Forklift Sales
Used electric and internal-combustion forklifts that are:
- Thoroughly inspected
- Professionally reconditioned
- Safety-certified with supporting documentation
Forklift Rentals
Short- and long-term rental solutions designed for:
- Seasonal volume spikes
- Project-based operations
- Temporary capacity increases
Service, Repairs & Maintenance
On-site and shop service by experienced technicians:
- Preventive maintenance programs
- Hydraulic and mechanical repairs
- Electric forklift battery servicing
- Safety inspections and compliance documentation
Training, Safety & Compliance
Support for:
- Forklift operator training and certification
- CSA B335-aligned equipment standards
- MOL compliance requirements
Every service we offer is designed to reduce downtime, extend equipment life, and help control total operating costs.
Why Businesses Trust Premier Lift
Our reputation has been built through consistency — year after year.
- Family-owned and operated with local decision-making
- Transparent pricing and practical recommendations
- Experienced technicians and certified trainers
- Fast response times across the Greater Toronto Area
- Safety-focused processes in every sale, rental, and service call
Customers choose Premier Lift because they want a long-term partner — not a dealership focused on short-term transactions.
Quick Facts
- FoundedFebruary 1997
- FounderJ.W. Porter
- HeadquartersBrampton, Ontario
- Service AreaGreater Toronto Area
- ExperienceNearly 30 years of industry service
- SpecialtiesUsed forklifts, rentals, service, training, and compliance
Still the Same Company — Better Equipped
Premier Lift has grown over the years, but our values remain unchanged.
We continue to focus on:
- Honest, practical advice
- Reliable, well-supported equipment
- Long-standing customer relationships
If you're looking for a forklift partner with nearly three decades of experience serving the GTA — and a commitment to being here for the long haul — we'd be proud to support your operation.
Or contact our team directly to discuss your requirements.
Ready to reduce downtime and cut equipment costs?
Request a quote or call our shop for same-day availability and on-site service in the GTA.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Premier Lift Equipment founded?
Premier Lift was founded in February 1997 in Mississauga, Ontario.
How many years has Premier Lift been in business?
We have been providing expert forklift sales and service for 29 years.
Do you sell used forklifts in Toronto and the GTA?
Yes. We sell, recondition, and safety-certify used forklifts across the GTA, including Mississauga, Brampton, Etobicoke, Vaughan, and Toronto.
What forklift services do you offer?
We offer on-site repairs, shop repairs, battery maintenance for electric forklifts, preventative maintenance plans, and driver training & certification.