Hoist and crane graphic, "The CraneWerks Files," a case studies blog: A journal cataloguing instances of CraneWerks’ meeting - and overcoming - customers material handling challenges.

Case Studies

CraneWerks’ chronicled case studies blog covering material handling challenges throughout the United States to highlight capabilities outside the box as well as to inspire project design capabilities.

Topics include:

  • Installation
  • Below-the-Hook Devices
  • Updates
  • Design Innovations
Catastrophic underhung overhead bridge crane runway fail, broken runway hanging loose from ceiling mount at metal finishing plant in central Indiana

Emergency Rehab for Metal Finishing Plant

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.
Superstructure Gorbel system designed and installed in a co-operative project between Harriman Material Handling and CraneWerks

Optimizing Production with a Gorbel Super Structure

CraneWerks collaborated with Harriman Material Handling to provide Hendrickson, a global leader in commercial transportation solutions, to implement an advanced material handling system that would optimize their production capacity. 
Undecking Process Optimized by Commercial Truck Dealer a case study by CraneWerks

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.
CraneWerks Makes a Tailored Box Girder Solution for Reliable Results

CraneWerks Makes a Tailored Box Girder Solution for Reliable Results

A customer in the construction industry required a custom mono-box girder solution to accommodate the required span to meet their specific lifting needs.

Improve Safety & Efficiency at Your Semi-Trailer Manufacturing Plant

When a semi-trailer manufacturer decided to expand their operations and improve their manufacturing process...
Overhead crane rehabbed by CraneWerks for Service Crane Company's steel processing customer

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.

Case Study 5: Galvanizing Plant Bridge Crane Rehab

A galvanizing plant in Muncie, Indiana had a bridge crane in…

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.
A top-running, double girder overhead bridge crane installed in an underground U.S. Gypsum Company Shoals Mine in Indiana

Gypsum Mine Installs Powerful Underground Crane System

A 20 ton capacity overhead crane and hoist from R&M Materials Handling Inc., sold by Harriman Material Handling (HMH), has been built and installed by CraneWerks 400 ft beneath the surface at the U.S. Gypsum Company Shoals Mine in Indiana.
Top-Running, Single Girder Overhead Bridge Crane by CraneWerks, Inc. at Kimura America in Shelbyville, IN

Case Study 2: Kimura Foundry America

Six R&M Materials Handling Inc. overhead crane systems were…

GET TO KNOW CRANEWERKS

In the late 1990s, CraneWerks noticed that the American crane industry was in trouble. Big overseas companies were making huge inroads into the US market by setting up their own sales networks. Their seemingly unlimited resources and capabilities made it increasingly difficult for independent US dealers to stay competitive.

Against that backdrop, CraneWerks was founded in 1997 with a vision: give independent American dealers a chance to compete in their own backyard by giving them the opportunity to say “Yes” to all their customers’ overhead material handling needs.

What we offer

CraneWerks is your first choice for quality and durable overhead crane and hoist services, providing you with material handling solutions nationwide. We offer a range of services designed to help you stay OSHA compliant, keep your overhead lifting equipment in running order, and provide a safe environment for your employees.  Whether you need OSHA mandated overhead crane and hoist inspections, preventative maintenance, crane repair, or employee training, CraneWerks has you covered. 

Giving Back

The things we do in life send echoes—echoes that frequently outlive us. Roger Graham was a member of the CraneWerks family for 18 years. He was an extraordinary, giving man whose deeds and words sent a lot of echoes down the ages. He won’t soon be forgotten by anyone who met or worked with him.  The Roger Graham Scholarship Fund is awarded annually to a deserving local high school senior heading to a trade school.