Riekes Equipment Celebrates 90 Years of Service, Innovation and Growth
In 2026, Riekes Equipment will celebrate 90 years in business, marking nine decades of helping warehouses, manufacturers and distribution centers improve safety, productivity and performance.
Founded in 1936, Riekes entered the material handling industry to support its bottling factories when no outside provider could be found. That decision shaped the company’s direction from the start: step in, solve the problem and stand behind the result.
Over the decades, Riekes expanded its product offerings and footprint across the Midwest. Today, the company has 240 employees across seven locations, with more than 125 technicians serving customers throughout six states. And Riekes supports nearly every industry, from food and beverage to manufacturing, distribution and agriculture.
One of the most defining chapters began in August 1993. After a fire destroyed the original Omaha location, the team rebuilt and reopened the office where it stands today. That moment of resilience sparked continued growth and reinforced a culture built on accountability and long-term thinking.
“When I joined Riekes in 1984, we had a strong foundation and a clear sense of purpose,” said Duncan Murphy. “Over the years, we’ve grown in size and capability, but what has remained constant is our commitment to doing the right thing for our customers and our people. That mindset is what has carried us for 90 years and what will carry us forward.”
In 2015, Riekes opened the Omaha Customer Discovery Center, a hands-on environment where customers and team members can explore equipment, automation and real-world applications. The center reflects the company’s focus on practical solutions and measurable improvement.
From forklifts and racking to cranes, docks, conveyors and automation, Riekes continues to invest in solutions that help customers reach their financial and operational goals.
As Riekes prepares for its 90th anniversary, the focus is not only on celebrating the past, but on building on that foundation. The same values that shaped the company in 1936 continue to guide its future: integrity, accountability and a drive to help customers succeed.
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