From the beginning, Thomas F. Lilly had a vision to service his customers with the most innovative and useful products in the marketplace.  Starting out primarily serving the painting industry,  his vision was shifted to the ever emerging ice industry in the late 1920’s.  He became somewhat of a pioneer by creating and patenting multiple devices that would simplify the process of sizing and bagging ice.  Then, as refrigeration became more common by the end of WWII, it was once again time to adapt.  By the late 40’s and early 50’s, the Lilly Company had evolved into a player in the material handling industry.  The year 1952 marked the entry as a dealer for a major line of forklifts, as well as providing the parts and service for those products.  Now, after nearly one hundred years of servicing the Mid-South and its neighbors, The Lilly Company is poised to continue its growth into an ever-changing market place.

1882 – The Lilly Carriage Company is incorporated in Memphis

Owen Lilly, older brother of T.F. Lilly, incorporates the Lilly Carriage Company in Memphis TN, November 20, 1882. The Carriage Company specialized in horse drawn carriages, harnesses and also manufactured some early automobiles.

1919 – T. F. Lilly founds The Lilly Brokerage Firm in Memphis TN

Thomas F. Lilly founds The Lilly Brokerage Firm, which later becomes The Lilly Company in Memphis TN. The primary focus was taking large bulk quantities (55 gal. drum and larger) of products, such as petroleum jelly and linseed oil, and breaking them down and repackaging them into smaller, more consumer sized packages. As a result, the painting industry was a major focus.

1929 – Thomas Lilly develops ice processing machine

Thomas Lilly built a machine that crushed 300 lb. blocks of ice & carried the chips along a conveyor for diverting and sorting into bags by size. This became a very profitable venture: In 1925, ice was the only method for keeping food cold. The business thrived in this form until World War II and the invention of refrigeration.

1945 – End of World War II

The end of World War II signifies a shift in the marketplace as on-site refrigeration becomes more common.

1945 – From Ice to Material Handling

Lilly salvaged from his ice crusher the one aspect that had a future in 1945: the conveyor system. He recognized that material handling offered great opportunity for industrial growth and he wanted to be a part of it.

1948 – Thomas Lilly passes away

Thomas Lilly passes away, Thomas J. Clark Jr. leads the company towards continued growth.

1948 – Thomas J. Clark, Jr. named as President

Thomas J. Clark, Jr. Named as President of The Lilly Company.

1952 – The Lilly Company becomes a dealer for Yale & Towne

Became a dealer for Yale & Towne lift trucks. First forklift delivered to Pidgeon-Thomas Iron Company in Memphis.

1969 – New Location

Outgrew Union Ave. location and moved facilities to Fleetbrook.

1982 – Thomas J. Clark, III named President of The Lilly Company

By 1982, Tom was ready to turn over the business to the next generation, and his son Thomas J. Clark, III (Ret. U.S. Army, Major) became president after serving 20 years in the military as a commander and pilot of helicopters and fixed wing aircraft.

1995 – Moved Memphis Operations center

Moved Memphis operations center to current location on Knight Arnold Road.

2003 – Became exclusive dealer for Toyota Industrial Equipment for Memphis

Became the exclusive dealer for Toyota Industrial Equipment for the Memphis and Mid-South Region.

2004 – The President’s Award

First awarded The Presidents Award from Toyota Material Handling.  This is the highest award a dealer can achieve.

2005 – Brand Expansion – Clark

Expanded with a new brand line (Clark) in the East Tennessee region.

2006 – Increased Clark footprint

Increased Clark footprint by acquiring and adding Birmingham and Madison AL locations.

2015 – Expansion into Alabama

Acquired Alabama territory for Toyota Industrial Equipment.  4 Toyota locations in AL: Irondale, Dothan, Mobile and Montgomery.

2016 – Preparing for 100 year anniversary

As The Lilly Company approaches it’s 100 year anniversary, the leadership team is poised to continue  growing our footprint, our presence in the market, and our people.

2019 – The Lilly Company turns 100 years old!