Genie Industries was founded in 1966 when Bud Bushnell bought the manufacturing rights to a material lift that operated on compressed air. Customers seemed to be impressed with the “magic in the bottle” that was used to raise and lower the hoist — and, the “Genie” name was born. With growing demand for material lifts and aerial work platforms, products such as man-lifts, stick booms, articulated booms, light towers and telehandlers have been added to the Genie® product line. 

By the early 2000s, due to the economic downturn, the company decided to seek a partner that held the same values. Terex Corporation, with a history of acquiring equipment manufacturers worldwide proved a good match for the business. In 2002, Genie Industries was sold and became the Terex Aerial Work Platforms (AWP) segment of Terex. Due to its strength and reputation in the marketplace, all Genie machines continue to be sold worldwide under the Genie brand.