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CraneWerks2026-03-26 11:29:242026-04-24 10:33:00Special Projects Department SpotlightTen years ago, Special Projects at CraneWerks wasn’t a department. It was an idea.
Tucked into a 400 sq ft corner of the reman room, Special Projects consisted of a small manual mill, one fabricator, and limited room to grow. There was no dedicated designer, most machining work was outsourced, and projects relied heavily on other departments for resources and information.
“Ten years ago, Special Projects was a 400 square foot corner of the reman room. Today, we have the space, the tools, and the confidence to take on just about anything,” said Jesse Schieler, Special Projects Manager.
Today, Special Projects plays a key role in helping CraneWerks dealers confidently say, “yes!” when customers bring forward their toughest overhead lifting challenges.
Laying the Foundation
The addition of Schieler in 2016 was a major turning point for CraneWerks. Bringing him onto the team allowed a shift toward an intentional process. We grew from handling side work into developing an entire department. The focus became gathering better information from customers, tightening communication, and streamlining design and production.
Jesse began managing projects from start to finish, including quoting, communicating with dealers, quality control, and execution. That same year, Special Projects started winning opportunities to design and build stacker cranes, pneumatic lifting devices, vacuum lifters, and high capacity lifting beams. Bringing on a fabricator dedicated specifically to special projects soon followed.
“Special Projects exists so our dealers can say, “yes!” when a standard solution isn’t enough.” – Jesse Schieler
Room to Build and Think Bigger
By 2017, it was clear the original space couldn’t support continued growth. An unused 1,800 sq ft storage area at the back of the warehouse was converted into a dedicated Special Projects workspace. The department invested in a manual mill, a lathe, and a new crane.
These upgrades reduced outsourcing, shortened lead times, and allowed the team to tackle more complex designs. Jesse went on to say, “Once we brought more machining and fabrication in house, everything changed. Lead times improved, designs got more complex, and we gained real flexibility.”
With expanded capabilities, the department began taking on a wider range of applications and hiring additional fabricators. Over the next several years, Special Projects designed vacuum lifters, high capacity coil grabs, electric and pneumatic transfer carts, manipulators, and full turnkey manufacturing lines.
Advancing Capabilities In House
In 2023, Special Projects expanded again, adding 2,000 sq ft and bringing in a CNC mill. A dedicated machinist joined the team, freeing fabricators to focus on assembly and fit and finish while increasing the department’s ability to build nearly everything in house.
This investment improved quality control, increased design flexibility, and strengthened the department’s ability to adapt quickly when projects evolved.
“This department works because the entire team understands the mission. Quality, customer service, and building equipment that performs the way it should.”
What Turnkey Really Means
For the Special Projects team, turnkey means owning the solution from concept through delivery. Equipment arrives ready to power up and integrate seamlessly with existing systems. Jesse shares, “Turnkey means our customers don’t have to worry about integration. When our equipment shows up, it’s ready to power up and go to work.”
That approach removes risk, reduces coordination headaches, and allows dealers to focus on serving their customers, not managing loose ends.
Built by the Team
The department’s success isn’t tied to one expansion or piece of equipment. It’s built on collaboration. Designers, machinists, and fabricators work together to refine designs, solve problems in real time, and ensure every product meets CraneWerks standards. Schieler says, “Every project pushes us to fine tune our processes and get better. That’s how we’ve been able to keep growing without sacrificing quality.”
Ready for What’s Next
In 2026, our Special Projects team has the confidence and the capability to take on virtually any challenge that comes its way. With a diverse portfolio of solutions and years of hands-on experience, the team is prepared to meet the demanding needs of CraneWerks dealers and their customers. Jesse goes on to say, “We’ve built a diverse portfolio of solutions over the years, and that experience helps us meet some of the most demanding lifting challenges out there.”
The department continues to refine its processes, expand applications, and look ahead at what’s next. “In 2026, we have the confidence to take on any project that comes our way and create solutions for applications that don’t fit the mold.”
When to Call Special Projects
If a customer’s application feels complicated, unconventional, or impossible, it’s probably a Special Projects job. This department exists to help dealers say, “yes!” – with confidence, support, and equipment built to perform.
Published March 26, 2026 | Edited April 24, 2026
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