Celebrating Eight Decades of Innovation, Service and Partnership
Since 1946, H.H. Barnum has been a trusted name in industrial automation, helping manufacturers solve challenges, increase efficiency, and embrace innovation.
What began as a small family business has grown into a trusted automation partner thanks to the loyalty of our customers, the dedication of our employees, and the strength of our supplier relationships.
As we celebrate 80 years of progress, we thank everyone who has been part of our journey. We look forward to continuing our tradition of providing products and services that meet our customers’ expectations not only the first time, but every time.
Our Story
A Legacy Built on People and Trust
From our founding in 1946 to today, H.H. Barnum has grown from a small Michigan distributor into one of the nation’s leading automation solution providers. This milestone is a celebration of the partnerships, people, and progress that have made our journey possible.
Our Journey
80 Years of Growth
1946
Herbert “Herb” Barnum founded H.H. Barnum in Livonia, Michigan, establishing a foundation of service, quality, and technical expertise.
1956
Herb hired Kenneth Edward Koza Sr. as a Sales Manager. Ken built a team of six and quickly became one of the company’s most impactful leaders.
1960's
Recognizing Ken’s exceptional performance, Herb offered him minority ownership. Ken introduced in-house engineering and value-added services, expanding Barnum’s capabilities beyond distribution. In 1968, the company relocated to Brighton, Michigan, adding sales, warehousing, and engineering space to support rapid growth and customer demand.
1975
Herb Barnum retired, transferring his ownership to Ken Koza Sr. and marking a pivotal shift in the company’s strategic focus towards automation controls. Throughout the mid-1980’s Barnum experienced steady growth, and Ken Sr. was soon joined by his sons, Ken Jr. and Ed.
1988
Upon Ken Sr.’s retirement, Ken Jr. became President and Ed Vice President. By 1990, Barnum had revitalized its Brighton facility and expanded to a team of 17 employees.
1995
Barnum opened its new Brighton Headquarters; A state-of-the-art facility supporting larger inventory, expanded engineering services, and enhanced customer support.
That same year, Barnum opened its first satellite office in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
2001
A new regional office was established in Indianapolis, Indiana, extending Barnum’s reach and strengthening customer support across the Midwest.
2007
Barnum partnered with SMC to debut a traveling demo vehicle, its first Automation Trailer. The Barnum + SMC Winnebago was configured with working displays of Barnum’s top product lines and visited customers right at their facilities.
2010
Barnum introduced its first dedicated Automation Trailer, a 38-foot, climate-controlled unit showcasing working demos across Michigan, Northern Ohio, and Northern Indiana.
2020
A new 46-foot, custom Automation Trailer hit the road, equipped with satellite connectivity, remote access, and an expanded lineup of products and suppliers. It would travel throughout the Eastern United States visiting hundreds of companies each year.
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2022
Barnum began expanding into the Southeast region in 2019, and by late 2022 the company had opened an office and warehouse in Cincinnati, Ohio, establishing a strong base for continued growth across the Midwest and Southeast.
2023
The Greenville, South Carolina office and warehouse was established as a result of Barnum’s growing customer base, continued expansion into the Southeastern United States, and the rise of automation in the South.
Today
Barnum is scaling faster than ever – broadening our reach, adding talented people across every department, and strengthening our lineup of automation products. With the Nashville office set to open in early 2026 and more growth already underway, we remain focused on advancing our capabilities and delivering exceptional service.
Celebrating Our People
80 Years of Partnership
Our success has always been built on the relationships we’ve formed with our customers, our suppliers, and our devoted employees. Their trust and collaboration continue to drive our innovation every day.
“Everything is better since switching to Barnum. Response time, stocking, pricing – Customer Service takes great care of us…I’m a happy camper. Thank you for your excellent partnership!”
-Customer in the Packaging Industry
“Nothing but good things to say about HH Barnum Company! HH Barnum outperforms all others. Speed of quotes and your compassion for urgency is very much appreciated.”
-Customer in the Automotive Industry
“Of my many years working with HH Barnum, I’ve never had a negative experience. I have always held the employees in high regard, and as an outside observer, I can infer HH Barnum has a stellar workplace culture, something not every business can say.”
-Customer in the Automation Industry
“In my nearly five years with Barnum, this company has truly changed my life. I’m grateful every day to be part of a team that feels more like a family, and a workplace that pushes me to grow, learn and be better. Barnum isn’t just where I work, it’s where I found a sense of purpose and belonging.”
-Customer Service Employee
“I get to work with a bunch of people who also share a vision for making this company great. Every person at Barnum from the very bottom to the tip top is always going above and beyond to the point where its become the norm here.”
-Lab Employee
“I love having the ability to work as a team with one common goal. It’s amazing how much you can get done if you don’t care who gets the credit.”
-Outside Sales Employee
H.H. Barnum by the Numbers
Looking Ahead
Empowering the Future of Automation
As we honor our past, we’re investing in what comes next – expanding into new regions, establishing new office locations, growing our team, and broadening our capabilities to better support our customers. Our commitment to hiring talented people and building local support ensures we remain close to the industries and communities we serve.
These investments reflect our promise to deliver the same trusted expertise and service our customers have relied on for 80 years.
Thank You for 80 Incredible Years
To our customers, employees, and suppliers, thank you for being the heart of H.H. Barnum’s story.
For eight decades, H.H. Barnum has grown through trust, collaboration, and shared vision. Every order placed, every partnership formed, and every solution delivered has shaped who we are today.
Together, we’ll continue building the connections and solutions that define the future of automation. Here’s to the next 80 years of progress and possibility!