Celebrating 105 Years of Moving & Logistics Services
MORE THAN JUST A MILESTONE
Our anniversary marks over a century of overcoming obstacles, embracing change, and building a legacy of trust, dedication, and exceptional service.
“For 105 years, customers have trusted Planes to move their memories, belongings and businesses. While we are very proud of our long history, we also know that every day is a new day to evolve with our customers’ priorities and continue to earn their trust. We’re proud to celebrate this milestone with our team members, customers, and communities who have supported us for generations,” John Sabatalo, President & CEO
OUR BEGINNINGS
John C. (Planez) Planes was born in Spain in 1883 and immigrated to the United States through Ellis Island in 1908 with his wife Nancy Ann (Armenti) Planes, born in Italy in 1894, arriving in the U.S. a few years later. Through hard work, resilience, and community their family story set the tone for a century of success.
1920s–1940s:
From local jobs to a moving business
John began hauling ashes and working as a sewer tapper before turning to moving as a livelihood and on May 1, 1921, Planes Moving was established. The business model shifted after World War II when the family purchased the company’s first truck. By the mid-1940s, the family homed in on their expertise in moving, storage, packing and logistics. During these years the family also ran a neighborhood deli in Oakley, Cincinnati, illustrating how deeply rooted Planes was in the local community.
1950s–1970s:
Incorporation and regional growth
Planes officially was declared as a corporate entity in 1956 and continued to expand operationally and branch out geographically. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s the company extended its services from household moves into office moves, commercial displays and warehousing capabilities. This progression allowed for the opening of a dedicated facility in Norwood in 1970 which would be the first facility in company history to include concrete floors and dock doors.
1980s–2000s:
Technology, partnerships and diversification
In the early 1980s Planes entered the tech world, officially introducing their first computer in the office. In tandem, the company worked to become a United Van Lines agent by 1981. Over the next two decades Planes worked to open locations across the Midwest, established a corporate headquarters, and strengthened their commercial services division. In 2004, Planes formally introduced their GWS (Global Workplace Solutions LLC.) brand, tailored to providing corporate businesses with logistics solutions, and started services big name clients such as Microsoft.
Today, Planes Companies (parent company to both Planes and GWS) remains a privately owned, family-run business, with Planes serving the Midwest region and GWS providing services to companies nationwide.
2010s–today: Culture, credentials and global reach
Planes prides itself on being a multi-generational family business with a strong T.E.A.M. (Trust, Empowerment, Accountability, and Mesh) culture focused on safety, service and people. Since the early 2010s, Planes and GWS have reached numerous key milestones, some of which include:
- Becoming a FIDI member (2019) to grow our international capabilities
- Earning Highwire Safety recognition
- Awarded Top Workplace status from 2014 onward and USA Today’s Top Workplace award 2025 onward.
- Receiving the UniGroup Member of the Year award recognizing excellence in client services and logistics.
- Achieving certifications such as JUST and IOMI for office moving standards
A family tradition of leadership
Family leadership and community service have been a constant throughout the past century of Planes history. From small local hauls, first warehouse dock doors, serving on industry boards, and receiving lifetime achievement awards, Planes’ approach remains personal. We treat clients like our neighbors, projects like promises, and teammates like family.
As we celebrate over 100 years in business we continue to invest in people, safety, sustainability, and the systems our clients rely on. Two distinct brands, one mission: moving our clients forward to a better tomorrow.
Want to see how our history of care and experience can make your next move easier? Contact us to learn more about our residential, commercial, and specialized logistics services.