Acquisitions across the lifting industry

Erikkila manufactures light cranes and is represented through an extensive distributor sales network across Europe, said Kito.

Kito made the acquisition of Erikkila’s crane production operation to enhance its European operations, and to strengthen its business position through Erikkila’s European sales network, as well as expanding Kito’s range of cranes and related products.

By combining lightweight modular Erikkila cranes with Kito electric chain hoists, said Kito, the company is able to offer users the best solutions and secure more sales opportunities.

Engineering services group EnerMech has taken a majority stake in Aberdeen-based Minteg, a specialist in maintenance, inspection and integrity services for industries including oil and gas, renewables and utilities. Minteg also offers full IRATA-certified rope access capability.

The move is part of an ongoing strategy by EnerMech to broaden its range of engineering services, and to optimise support for late-life hydrocarbon assets by safely reducing costs and improving asset integrity, said the company.

The Minteg team brings a strong track record in non-destructive testing, rope access services, integrity management, inspection services and rotating equipment maintenance, including gas turbines and compressors, added EnerMech.

EnerMech’s chief executive officer Doug Duguid said: “MInteg is a highly complementary business to our existing service lines and their skillset broadens out the capability of the integrated services we can offer to the energy, utilities and infrastructure sectors.”

CP Automation, a supply, installation and repair specialist, has teamed up with electric motor manufacturer Vascat and crane and hoist system manufacturer Magnetek. The three companies will work together to produce complete packages of motors, crane collision avoidance systems, radio control systems, and power delivery systems for crane OEMs, with the aim of improving safety and performance.

CP Automation is currently expanding its product portfolio, which includes EMC filters, line and motor chokes and braking resistors for the crane industry. The company also already supplies radio remote control systems in partnership with Magnetek.

Andy Swann, business development manager EMEA at Magnetek, said: “The partnership brings together the right set of products to support the current rapid growth of the crane industry.

“We are seeing more and more crane OEMs moving away from in-cab operators and opting for radio remote control. This safe distance means much more aggressive materials can be handled during a project, as well as providing the freedom of movement to gain better visibility."

Swedish brake manufacturer Dellner Brakes, and parent company Dellner Group, has signed an agreement to acquire German industrial braking manufacturer Pintsch Bubenzer, which specialises in brakes for harbour container cranes.

Dellner Brakes and Pintsch Bubenzer will continue to operate both brands from their existing global locations, with the enlarged group planning to open several new offices around the world over the next 12 months.

The move comes four months after Dellner Brakes also acquired US-based brake and clutch manufacturer Gummi USA.

Dellner Brakes chief executive Marcus Aberg said: “This acquisition is a strategic decision and marks the start of a new era for our organisation. It will facilitate major global expansion for both companies and will also enable us to build the Dellner Brakes and Pintsch Bubenzer brands in the industrial market sector.

“This is the ideal match for us—Dellner Brakes is a key player in the marine braking market and, with Pintsch Bubenzer’s industrial prowess and leading position in the container cranes brake system market, our two companies complement each other perfectly. We certainly have an exciting future ahead.”

Houston, Texas-based Bishop Lifting has acquired Safeway Sling USA, a sling fabrication company based at Greendale, Wisconsin.

Safeway Sling manufactures nylon and polyester slings along with wire rope slings, chain slings, and tie-down assemblies produced to WSTDA standards. The company has manufactured slings for more than 40 years.

The company also provides certifying and recertifying services for overhead lifting assemblies with in-house ASTM E-4 calibrated testing capabilities. Bishop Lifting operates 70 test beds across its 21 locations.

Harold King, president at Bishop Lifting Products, said: “We are excited with the addition of Safeway Sling to our family of companies. Safeway Sling has a proven track record in our industry of supplying the highest quality synthetic slings with the highest level of service. They will make a great addition to our team.”

Sue Szymczak, president of Safeway Sling USA, said: “We feel that BLP is the ideal fit to carry on our legacy of excellence.”