News
AWRF Recommendations Seek to Clarify Sling Proof Testing
The Associated Wire Rope Fabricators (AWRF) has begun a mission to clarify B30.9's Proof Testing requirement for slings. The ruling states: “Mechanically assembled slings shall be comprised of proof tested components,” and “If untested components are employed, the sling shall be proof tested” In response, AWRF has created a Recommended Practice & Guideline for Proof […]
Crane Operator Certification on the Rise
The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) reports that 2005 was its busiest year ever for the number of exams administered. As many as 15,000 mobile crane operators were tested last year, a three-fold increase over the previous year. Additionally, 1,000 tower crane operators have been certified since these programs were established […]
Maxim Crane to Explore Strategic Business Alternatives
Maxim Crane Works Holdings, Pittsburgh, recently announced it is exploring strategic business alternatives that will enable the company to continue to grow its business. The company has retained Goldman, Sachs & Co. to act as its financial advisor during this process. The alternatives under consideration would include a merger, sale of the business, or other […]
Competition in Rental Industry Could Drive Down Prices
According to a UBS Investment Research survey released last week, branch managers at Greenwich, Conn.-based United Rentals, Inc., said competition in the equipment rental industry could drive down prices. For the UBS study, analyst David A Bleustein surveyed 116 United Rentals branch managers and asked whether conditions were improving or deteriorating, and whether prices were […]
UpRight Production Moves to England
After finalizing the deal to acquire Ireland-based UpRight International only a few days ago, the Tanfield Group Plc announced this week it is moving UpRight's production to Northeast England after receiving a 1.95 million ($3.6 million USD) Selective Finance for Investment grant from regional development agency One NorthEast. Production will take place a former LG […]
Boom length and outrigger design move Tadano 20-ton boom truck into the fast lane
Introduced at the company's second annual dealer meeting, Tadano America Corporation's newest boom truck model, the TM20110, has found favor with the Houston company's dealers. They like it not only because of what they described as its smooth operations, but because of two key features: its boom length and outrigger system. In designing the crane […]
DBI-SALA Introduces i-Safe Intelligent Safety System
DBI-SALA, a Capital Safety brand, recently introduced the new i-Safe Intelligent Safety System, which delivers real-time solutions for inspection, inventory control, and information management. The product combines radio frequency identification (RFID)-equipped fall-protection equipment with web-based information management to maximize the effectiveness and minimize the total cost of safety programs. Effective immediately, all DBI-SALA fall protection […]
Hirschmann Restructures Retrofit Business
PAT GmbH, a subsidiary of the Hirschmann Group that represents the company's electronic control systems division, recently restructured its retrofit business. This business and associated services will now be run exclusively through the company's international dealer network, coordinated by the head office in Ettlingen, Germany. Since the beginning of May 2006, direct customers in Germany […]
Three Elected to ACRP Board
The Association of Crane and Rigging Professionals (ACRP) took their General Assembly to the Gulf Coast in May, electing three new board members and tackling issues related to offshore environments. The gathering was held in Houston, Texas. Scott Fleming of Unirope Ltd., Mike Terry of Fluor, and Tom Gilbert of Cianbro, were elected ACRP Board […]
NES to be Acquired by New York Private Equity Firm
NES Rentals Holdings, Inc., Chicago, Ill., announced this week it has signed a definitive agreement to be acquired by affiliates of Diamond Castle Holdings, LLC, a New York-based private equity firm. The transaction is valued at approximately $850 million, including the assumption of certain liabilities. Under the terms of agreement, Diamond Castle will acquire all […]