Bekins Van Lines, Inc. is an American domestic and international private and corporate household goods relocation service provider.[1] Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, Bekins also offers special commodities and logistic services.[2] The United States Military is one of Bekins' largest customers.[2]
History and operations
In 1891, in Sioux City, Iowa, John Bekius and Martin (né Bekius) Bekins, brothers, started a furniture moving business.[3][4][5][6]
Bekins was purchased by Minstar Inc., controlled by Irwin L. Jacobs, for $89.2 million in 1983.[8] In 1987, Bekins' management team, led by president Thomas E. Epley, purchased 60% of the company for $66 million.[9] Jacobs re-acquired Bekins through IMR Fund L.P. in January, 1993.
In 2009, the company had over 300 locations and a fleet of over 2,100 vehicles.[2] The company also owns warehouse space that exceeds four million square feet.[2]
Bekins was acquired by Wheaton World Wide Moving in 2012.[10] After the acquisition, the Bekins Van Lines brand name continued to be used as a separate brand.[10]
It is the oldest, currently operating, household moving, company in the United States.[11] It is one of the largest moving companies in North America.[2][10]
Richardson, Ian (December 13, 2016). "Developer eyes landmark Bekins warehouse for apartment complex". Sioux City Journal. Retrieved January 30, 2017. Clint Stencil, owner of the Sioux Falls-based Clint Stencil Construction, has approached the city with plans to convert the 110-year-old former Bekins Moving and Storage building ...