Becoming a Positioner Powerhouse: A History of Raising Industry Standards
For over four decades, ALM Positioners has been dedicated to material handling and making welding and assembly processes better, faster and safer for manufacturers 
across the world. Since building our first positioner in 2002, that expertise has grown into building one of the most complete lines of fully engineered positioners for manufacturing on the market. This year, we’re preparing for a major milestone: the production of our 4,000th positioner.
This milestone is significant for many reasons, but most of all, it represents the trust earned from our customers across many industries since our founding in 1982. Our drive for continuous improvement has led to success, including being recognized as one of the Quad Cities region’s fastest growing companies in both 2024 and 2025, as well as the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce’s Business of the Year in 2025.
The founding of ALM Positioners
ALM Positioners was founded in 1982 by Douglas Grunnet, initially importing vehicle lifts from Western Europe. Despite economic headwinds and a weakening U.S. dollar, the company kept growing through the late 1980s, and Grunnet built ALM’s first factory in Streator, Illinois – officially establishing the company’s roots in Illinois.
The Streator factory focused on building medium-size to large vehicle lifts. In addition to producing vehicle lifts, ALM expanded into material handling equipment in 1992.
Material handling at the core
Over the next decade, ALM strengthened its position in both material handling and vehicle lifts, expanding beyond the transportation sector to serve rail car, pharmaceutical, energy, seed and construction companies – including building a lift for a nuclear power plant.
In 2002, Caterpillar Inc. approached ALM with a request to build a positioner, which led to a strong partnership that opened the door to future automation opportunities. Dedicated work with Caterpillar and several smaller companies continued through 2008, when ALM’s positioning business began to expand in earnest.
Becoming a positioner powerhouse
In 2015, Grunnet sold the company to new leadership determined to continue ALM’s success and expand the performance of its positioning equipment. The business relocated to its current headquarters in Rock Island, Illinois, and growth quickly accelerated – paving the way for groundbreaking equipment.
From deploying the Precision Line to the innovative positioner and COBOT combination, to Voice-Initiated Kinetic Intelligence Operating System, or VIKI OS, the last decade has been shaped by a commitment to excellence in performance, service and products, built by a skilled and dedicated team.
“The business has grown significantly, which is something we’re all proud of along with the positive contributions we’ve had on our community and clients,” Kevin Toft, Chief Revenue Officer at ALM Positioners, said. “In July of 2015, we only had about seven employees dedicated to positioners. Today we have almost 50. It’s a testament to the work of our team and the trust our clients have in us.”
Continuing to deliver better, faster and safer processes
Developing positioning equipment to ensure skilled laborers can do their job more comfortably and safely has always been at the core of our solutions. For material handlers, welders and assemblers, ALM Positioners has the track record as the go-to choice to help make processes better, faster and safer since our founding in 1982.
In 2026, ALM made huge strides in deploying the Precision Line and growing adoption of the positioner-and-COBOT combination. With the ability to produce 350+ positioners annually, serving over 400 customers and more than 30 industries across the world, the only question is: what innovative positioning solution will come next?
History of ALM Positioners at a glance
1982: ALM Positioners was founded, initially importing vehicle lifts from Western Europe.
Late 1980s: First factory built in Streator, Illinois, focused on manufacturing medium-size to large vehicle lifts.
1992–2002: Expanded into material handling, serving a wide variety of industries.
2002: Built first positioner for Caterpillar.
2008: Expanded positioner offerings.
2015: Business acquired and relocated to Rock Island, IL.
2015-2023: Business grew substantially year over year and expanded from seven employees to almost 50.
2024 and 2025: Recognized as one of the region’s fastest-growing companies for two consecutive years by the Quad City Business Journal.
2025: Introduced the Positioner + COBOT, described as the “duo made to dominate.”
2026: Launched the Precision Line.
Looking for a trusted partner for positioner equipment? Contact us.
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