During the annual California Small Business Day at the State Capitol, Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R-Yucaipa) recognized Precision Material Handling as the 23rd Senate District Small Business of the Year.
Precision Material Handling, located in the city of Banning, offers complete forklift service, repairs, rentals, sales, parts and batteries. Robert and his staff are CARB certified, and his business is one of only two dealerships in Southern California authorized to sell Talift products. The business continues to grow and is looking to relocate to a larger location from the current 20,000 square foot warehouse. Robert has emphasized the importance of building relationships in his community through face-to-face meetings and personalized service.
“Precision Material Handling and CEO Robert Ybarra are a true example of excellency and compassion,” said Ochoa Bogh. “Robert Ybarra has worked hard to build a successful business that serves his customers with integrity. Even more impressive, however, is the fact that he has looked beyond profit and has made a conscious effort to selflessly give of himself and prioritize the wellbeing of his employees and the community. For that reason, Precision Material Handling was a clear choice to be my first Small Business of the Year.”
The pandemic was particularly hard for the Banning community and the Pass area due to already high pre-COVID-19 unemployment rates. During the pandemic, Precision Material Handling made the decision not to lay off employees. In fact, they even hired new staff, even though the company was financially struggling itself. Possessing a philanthropic spirit, Robert Ybarra also organized over 25 food drives in his community, feeding over 300 families each time.
California Small Business Day is an annual event held by the California Small Business Association. It is an opportunity for each member of the Legislature to recognize small businesses who have made significant contributions to their community.