Gene Slattum, an Air Force veteran, founded Minnesota Industrial Battery in 1982 as a one-man shop with one customer. Over time, with a lot of Midwest work ethic, he grew the business to numerous customers and a full staff.
In 2016, Kris Palestrini purchased Minnesota Industrial Battery from Gene, his father-in-law, when he was ready to retire after 34 successful years in business. Kris had a vision of taking the company to the next level. We modernized and built upon every aspect of the business we could that Gene had established over the decades.
The exponential growth we’ve experienced since our acquisition five years ago was the driving force behind launching into Midwest Motive. We’ve retained the same top-notch team but have expanded our offerings and territory. We’re determined to take your experience and commitment to you, our customer, to the next level throughout the entire Upper Midwest.
We started with one customer in 1982 and have grown to be a proven leader in the industrial forklift battery and industrial charger industry.
Thank you for trusting Midwest Motive with your business. Your success is our #1 priority.
Our Current/
Projected Service Area
Our Team
ADAM CHRISTENSEN
Account Executive
AL MONTIEL
Battery & Charger Technician
GORDY HJELLMING
Account Executive
Justin Feguson
Logistics
KATE CARPENTER
Operations Manager
KRIS PALESTRINI
Owner
ERIN PALESTRINI
New Business Development
LENG YANG
Battery & Charger Techinician
MATTHEW DUFFY
Service Manager
MATTHEW SANDERS
Logistics
PAT GANNAWAY
Account Executive
STEVE DUERR
President
TIM DAVIS
Battery & Charger Technician
Will Langenenks
Battery & Charger Technician
Contact Us
We’re extremely proud of our unparalleled support and service record prioritizing safety and responsiveness. Midwest Motive is here to serve any and all aspects of your industrial battery management and logistic needs.
Our Cause
As a family-owned company, we believe that it is our moral duty to support our American troops and their families. Midwest Motive proudly and consistently contributes to the Wounded Warrior Project®. We try to meet our basic moral obligation of stepping up for those who preserve our liberties, livelihoods, and businesses. This nationwide charitable resource stands as a permanent living testament to the affection, gratitude, and loyalty good Americans hold for those who do so much to protect all of us.