Entries by CraneWerks

Safe+Sound Week at CraneWerks

At CraneWerks, safety is one of our core values and a commitment we live out every day. That’s why we’re proud to participate in Safe+Sound Week, the nationwide campaign led by OSHA and supported by the National Safety Council to promote workplace safety and health.

Custom Lifting Beams

Not finding off-the shelf equipment for your needs? We’re known for our turnkey applications. Our engineers will work to create the exact lifting solution you need.

Material Baskets

Material baskets are an excellent choice for safe and efficient handling and movement of lose tools, parts that would otherwise require cumbersome rigging techniques to control the load. Lift, move, roll the part into the basket, connect the lifting bridle and away you go.

Bundle Lifters

Bundle lifters are below-the-hook mechanical or motorized lifting devices used with cranes to safely grip, lift, and transport horizontally stacked materials like sheet metal, pipes, lumber, or industrial heat-exchanger bundles.

Spreading Sunshine

An initiative by Leadership Shelby County, Spreading Sunshine was a group focused on supporting the Sunshine House’s overnight shelter for the unhoused.

Leadership Shelby County

Leadership Shelby County is a program made to support local community through business, civic and charitable action, and local government agencies.

The Marfan Foundation

People are born with Marfan syndrome but they may not notice any features until later in life and some of these features can appear at any age.

How to Find the Right Crane Components

When an overhead crane or hoist goes down, every minute counts. As our Inside Sales Manager, Conner Davis explains,

“In some situations, having the correct part can affect an entire production schedule. Getting it right on the first go can save days – if not weeks – of production.”

The wrong or poor-quality replacement can turn a minor repair into a costly setback. “Trying to run a crane with something that’s incorrect or low-grade often causes more damage,” Davis says. “You end up needing more repairs and more downtime.”

The Longest Day: Walk with Purpose

Together with Lucys for Lynn, we’re turning the Longest Day of the year into a day of action, support, & remembrance for those impacted by Alzheimer’s disease.

The Bridge Unites Shelbyville: Walking for Hope

Some nights are colder than others—not just in temperature, but in the reality that many in our community face hurt, hunger, and homelessness. But on February 22, 2025, Shelbyville’s first-ever Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) event, hosted by The Bridge Ministries, proved that even the coldest nights are no match for the warmth of a community coming together.

National Engineers Week

At CraneWerks, craftsmanship is more than a commitment; it’s a cornerstone of everything we do. Our guiding principle—work smart, work hard, and take pride in every detail—drives our mission to deliver precision-crafted solutions that not only meet industry standards but exceed expectations. As we celebrate National Engineers Week (EWeek) from February 18–24, 2025, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes who make it all possible: our engineers.

Dealer’s Guide: Overhead Crane Information

When it comes to selecting the ideal crane for your clients, understanding the differences between the types of cranes and their configurations is key to delivering the best material handling solution. At CraneWerks, we provide a variety of overhead cranes, each designed to meet specific operational needs. Today, we’re taking a deep dive into Top Running Bridge Cranes and Underhung Bridge Cranes—two of the most popular systems available. We’ll also touch on additional lifting solutions like Jib Cranes, Monorails, and Gantry Cranes that can offer flexibility and efficiency for specific job sites.

Supporting Recovery in the Workplace

In any workplace, the well-being of employees is crucial to maintaining safety, productivity, and morale. For those working in physically demanding and high-risk industries like ours, it’s especially important to address the unique challenges that substance use disorders (SUDs) can present. With teams who provide top-tier material handling solutions, you understand the value of a strong, healthy workforce. Supporting recovery in the workplace is not just about compliance—it’s about fostering a culture that upholds safety, family, integrity, craftsmanship, service, and collaboration.

Regulatory Changes: Staying Up-to-Date

In the fast-paced world of crane operations, staying current with regulatory changes and industry standards is not just a best practice—it’s a necessity.

Emergency Preparedness: Being Ready for the Unexpected

In the world of overhead crane operations, risks are always present. Whether it’s lifting heavy loads or maneuvering complex systems, the potential for unexpected situations is ever-present. This makes emergency preparedness not just important—but vital. Through rigorous and ongoing training, crane operators can be equipped to handle any crisis, reducing the likelihood of accidents and ensuring quick, effective responses when emergencies do occur. This level of preparedness not only saves lives but also solidifies your reputation as a dealer who puts safety and reliability first.

The Importance of Ongoing Training

When it comes to overhead crane operations, consistent and comprehensive training is more than just a box to check—it’s a strategic investment. For dealers selling cranes to end users, offering training services can be a powerful way to boost revenue streams while ensuring that end users remain compliant with safety regulations and industry standards. Let’s explore how ongoing training enhances compliance, operational efficiency, and overall business success.

Boost Your Revenue with CWU: Training for Success

In the world of material handling, equipping your team with the right knowledge and skills isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential. At CraneWerks, we understand the pivotal role training plays in your success. That’s why CraneWerks University offers specialized courses designed to empower our dealers, providing them with the tools to train end users and conduct thorough inspections. This not only enhances service quality but also opens up new revenue streams.

Workplace Etiquette: Navigating Gossip, Email, & More

At CraneWerks, we believe that a well-oiled machine isn’t just about our equipment but also about the harmony and efficiency of our workplace. As we celebrate Workplace Etiquette Week, let’s dive into five key aspects that keep our workplace running smoothly: gossiping, handshakes, timeliness, email etiquette, and attention to detail. These aren’t just rules—they’re the backbone of a productive, respectful, and cohesive work environment.

Attention to Detail in Interpersonal Relationships

Attention to detail is a crucial component that enhances organizational skills, time management, analytical abilities, observational prowess, and active listening. These skills are the backbone of efficiency and excellence in any workplace, especially in the rugged, demanding world of overhead cranes and material handling.

Handshake Etiquette: Making a Strong First Impression

In the professional world, a handshake is more than just a formality—it’s a powerful gesture that sets the tone for interactions and relationships. Whether you’re meeting a client for the first time, greeting a colleague, or sealing a deal, a handshake can convey confidence, respect, and professionalism. But mastering the perfect handshake involves more than just a firm grip. It requires attention to etiquette and hygiene.

In this article, we’ll delve into the nuances of handshake etiquette, ensuring you make a positive and lasting impression every time. We’ll also highlight the importance of hand hygiene to keep your interactions safe and professional. Let’s dive in and perfect the art of the handshake together.

Time Management in the Workplace

Time management is about demonstrating respect, reliability, and professionalism. When you’re timely, you show your colleagues and clients that you value their time, which builds trust and fosters a positive work environment. Being consistently punctual can enhance your reputation and open doors to new opportunities.

Workplace Gossip: What It Is and How to Handle It

Workplace gossip is more than just idle chatter—it can disrupt trust, morale, and productivity. Recognizing and addressing gossip is crucial to maintaining a positive work environment. In this article, we’ll explore what constitutes workplace gossip, how to assess it, and effective strategies for handling it.

Firework Safety Tips: Stay Safe on July 4th

We all look forward to holiday weekends to spend time with family and friends. The 4th of July weekend is no exception. It’s often celebrated with barbecues, swimming, boating, and, of course, fireworks. While this holiday brings joy, it also leads to many hospitalizations, particularly from firework-related injuries. Fireworks are a staple of the 4th of July festivities for most Americans, but they can be inherently dangerous, especially when mixed with alcohol or handled by children.

Safety Glasses: The Importance of Safeguarding Your Vision

Vision loss and severe eye injuries occur all too often in today’s workplaces. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), each day, about 2,000 U.S. workers sustain a job-related eye injury that requires medical treatment. Due to the severity and frequency of these injuries, there is no room for shortcuts or excuses when it comes to protecting your eyes on the job. There are many ways to protect yourself from an eye injury, but safety glasses are the most common and arguably the simplest safeguard for protecting your eyes from injury.

CraneWerks Cares

In the heart of CraneWerks lies a commitment that transcends business—it’s about community, support, and making a tangible difference where it matters most. As part of their ongoing dedication to giving back, CraneWerks proudly announces the launch of ‘CraneWerks Cares,’ a campaign that shines a spotlight on their extensive sponsorships and donations to over 30 organizations that hold special significance.

Email Etiquette in the Workplace

When you’re sending or replying to emails, keep these top-notch email etiquette practices in mind: Replying, formatting, tone, replies, and more!

Mobile Equipment Hazard Mitigation: Best Practices

Job sites pose many dangers for the individuals who must walk through them. Trip hazards, dust, slick conditions, and dropped objects are just a few of the many possible hazards present for those individuals walking around a construction site. A major hazard that can result in serious injury or fatalities for workers on the ground is mobile equipment operations.

Pedestrian Safety

Manufacturing pedestrian safety is a major concern for anyone who works in a these Industrial & warehouse settings. Equipment operators want to be able to focus on the task at hand without hurting anybody else. And pedestrians want to feel seen and safe when walking through these areas.

National Donut Day

National Donut Day is on the first Friday of June, when people across the country indulge in long Johns, apple fritters, and other delicious pastries. However, this day is about more than just enjoying donuts. The Salvation Army established National Donut Day in 1938 to honor the “Donut Girls” – female Salvation Army volunteers who served American soldiers on the frontlines of war.

Maintaining Safety Engagement: Innovative Initiatives

In safety leadership, the challenge of maintaining employee engagement in safety initiatives is a perpetual quest. Over time, even the most dedicated employees can lose interest in safety protocols, making it crucial to find innovative ways to rekindle their enthusiasm. One approach that has proven remarkably effective is creating large-scale events that not only draw in the audience but also build trust and excitement, transforming safety from a mundane topic into a viral sensation.

Injury Prevention with Imperative Vigilance

National Trauma Awareness Month (NTAM) serves as a yearly initiative focused on advocating for injury prevention and safety protocols, aided by collaborators from the Trauma Prevention Coalition (TPC). This dedicated month-long campaign strives to involve individuals, communities, and organizations in endeavors aimed at decreasing injury rates and lessening their repercussions. The heightened emphasis on awareness-raising and bolstering prevention measures underscores its critical relevance in today’s context.

Sol Jimenez’s Story: 2024 Roger Graham Scholarship Recipient

In the heart of Eastern Hancock High School, a young woman named Solnahomi “Sol” Jimenez-Mendoza has been making waves with her determination, resilience, and unwavering passion for the construction industry. Sol, the recipient of the 2024 Roger Graham Scholarship, has a vision and a dream that goes beyond personal success – it’s about honoring her family’s legacy, giving back to her community, and shaping a brighter future for herself and her loved ones.

Cerebral Palsy Awareness: Advocating for Change

CraneWerks is deeply committed to supporting causes that uplift and empower individuals facing challenges, including those affected by Cerebral Palsy (CP). As a company dedicated to family, integrity, and community engagement, CraneWerks stands in solidarity with the Cerebral Palsy Foundation (CPF) and its advocacy efforts. Through partnerships and collaborative initiatives, CraneWerks actively promotes awareness and inclusivity for individuals with CP, encouraging its employees, customers, and stakeholders to join the #GoGreen4CP movement and contribute to positive change. By leveraging its platform and resources, CraneWerks strives to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those affected by CP, fostering a culture of compassion and support within its community and beyond.

Why Investing in Overhead Crane Training is Essential 

In today’s fast-paced industrial landscape, efficiency and safety are paramount. As production, safety, and maintenance managers, you understand the critical role that overhead crane operators play in ensuring smooth operations and maintaining workplace safety. That’s why investing in proper training for your employees is considered a strategic imperative. 

Navigating Crane Parts with Conner Davis

At the core of CraneWerks’ commitment to quality and dependability for our exclusive dealer-only network is Conner Davis, the inside salesman extraordinaire, dedicated to the meticulous task of part locating for clients. Let’s dive into Conner’s world, where consistent communication, integrity, and a knack for learning have propelled him into the heart of CraneWerks’ success. 

The $2K Roger Graham Scholarship for Trade School Students

In the heart of Morristown, Indiana, a legacy of empowerment and dedication to the local community thrives through the Roger Graham Scholarship. Established to honor the memory of Roger Graham, a cherished member of the CraneWerks family for 18 years, this scholarship serves as a beacon of hope for high school seniors aspiring to pursue careers in trade schools.

Metal Finishing Plant is Safe After Emergency Rehab Crisis

A metal finishing plant in central Indiana was the scene of a catastrophic runway failure. When our emergency service technicians arrived, the bridge and spreader bar was hanging precariously over caustic dipping vats. One of the runways had broken loose and fallen. Caustic environments tend to increase the chances of equipment failure. A Runway survey, as part of a regular preventive inspection, could have possibly prevented this failure.

Announcing a Grand Opening for Diamond Equipment

Diamond Equipment Inc. hosted the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of its new facility in Evansville, Ind. More than 500 family, staff and customers attended the event at 1501 Lynch Rd. on Sept. 22. The event served as a platform to showcase the company’s products, establish new partnerships and reaffirm its commitment to advancements in construction technology.

Undecking Process Optimized by Commercial Truck Dealer

A national commercial truck dealer within the transportation industry sought CraneWerks’ expertise to design, build, and install an outdoor, manual freestanding monorail complete with a hoist, shelter for the hoist, and epoxy paint which could stand up to the harsh Detroit, Michigan winters. This crane was intended to facilitate the undecking of tractors from semi-trucks at their newly established facility.

Why Perform Inspections for Overhead Crane And Hoists?

Ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations is imperative for any business. Regular overhead crane and hoist inspections not only demonstrate a commitment to safety but also shield against potential fines and penalties. These inspections enhance plant safety by identifying and rectifying potential hazards, reduce equipment breakdowns, minimize downtime, and proactively address minor issues, ultimately saving time and costs in the long term.

Outstanding Gavin Shaw is Awarded with the 2023 Roger Graham Scholarship

Congratulations, Gavin! We are thrilled to recognize your outstanding achievements and commitment to your education. The Roger Graham Scholarship Fund, named in honor of our beloved CraneWerks family member, aims to support local high school seniors heading to trade schools. We are proud to award you with a $2,000.00 check towards your schooling.

Harsh Environments: Choosing the Right Hoist

A galvanizer came to Electrolift because they had performance, safety, and downtime concerns with their existing hoists. Galvanizing applications are notorious for having issues with the mechanical load brake when there is a constant load on the hook and excessive heat is generated during long lifts causing premature failure. Constant inspections, downtime, contaminants in the oil, safety, and ongoing concerns of hoist failure proved to the galvanizer a new solution was required.

Successful Rehab After Hard Life Catches Up to 20-Ton Crane

Overhead cranes are the workhorse of any manufacturing or distribution facility. They are there to do the heavy lifting and keep the production floors safe and uncluttered. Often taken for granted, they aren’t appreciated till they start having issues. Heavy lifting and repetition create wear and tear on joints and other mechanical parts. Throw in multiple shifts, grime, and caustic operating conditions and they begin to show their age.

Diesel Engine Manufacturer Invests in Turnkey Solution

The client, a major national manufacturer of diesel engines, needed a below-hook lifting device to safely pick up a fully assembled engine and generator. Oh, and it needed to be battery-powered, too, for mobile operation. That’s no mean feat, but Harriman Material Handling and CraneWerks were more than up to the task.

President: CraneWerks Names Ashley Larochelle

Morristown-based CraneWerks Inc. has named Ashley Larochelle president, replacing her father Mark Thomas, who remains as chief executive officer and executive board member. She previously held roles of general manager and president for two material handling dealerships. Larochelle holds a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University.

Collin Essex Awarded 1st Roger Graham Scholarship

The first-ever Roger Graham Scholarship was awarded in May 2020 to Morristown High School graduate Collin Essex of Morristown, Indiana. Collin worked through high school at Runyon’s, the big auto repair and tire shop in Morristown. Eager to get going on his career, Collin immediately started summer classes at Lincoln Technical Institute in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Runway Crane Systems for Safe Lifting

Runway crane systems work are compatible with a variety of cranes and utilize an overhead runway to haul material from end of the shop to another. CraneWerks carry a variety of runway systems that can handle heavy loads and can also accommodate more than one overhead crane for maximum efficiency. These types of runway systems are great in utilizing the space your shop has to offer.

Stay in the Know with the Crane Connection Newsletter

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name
Name

Leave us a review