Linked with History

140 years
OF COLUMBUS MCKINNON
 Linked with History
140 years
OF COLUMBUS MCKINNON
Contents
 01 || introduction

03 || a l e t t e r f r o m t i m o t h y t. t e v e n s

0 4 || r e b u i l d i n g a n a t i o n — 1875–1899

1 4 || a n e w c e n t u r y o f e n t e r p r i s e — 1900–1913

24 || t h e w a r a n d t h e r o a r — 1914–1928

34 || n a v i g a t i n g t h e c r a s h — 1929–1938

4 4 || a l l i a n c e s a n d o p p o r t u n i t i e s — 1939–1954

5 4 || r a c e t o t h e t o p — 1955–1979

6 4 || b r e a k i n g d o w n b a r r i e r s — 1980–1999

74 || m o r e c o n n e c t e d t h a n e v e r — 2000–2015

8 8 || o u r fa m i ly o f b r a n d s

90 || our global presence

As the world has changed,
so has Columbus McKinnon.
On its own, a single chain link is only a piece of metal. But united and
reinforced with others, that link becomes part of something much
stronger and more resilient.
Such is the Columbus McKinnon story. Our 140 years is comprised
of an eclectic mix of people, places, companies and historical events.
From our humble beginnings as saddlery, chain and hoist craftsmen,
we’ve grown to become a global leader in material handling for a wide
range of industries.
As the world has changed, so has Columbus McKinnon. And in our
own small way, we’ve also changed the world. As you turn these pages,
we invite you to join us in our impressive journey through history.

1
“We’ve strengthened
our link with history
through innovation.”
In business, there are many measures of success. But few are as impressive as longevity. So it is with
great pride that Columbus McKinnon celebrates its 140th anniversary. This milestone is a testament
to our hardworking Associates —past and present—as well as our loyal Channel Partners and end users
around the world.

When you consider how much the world has changed since 1875, this achievement becomes especially
notable. The roots of our Company predate the telephone, the automobile and even 13 states in the U.S.
Through the decades, we’ve adapted our business to keep pace with the evolving needs of our customers.
In addition, we’ve strengthened our link with history through innovations such as the Weston Screw
Load Brake, the first alloy chain, the first mechanical chain coupling link, the first worm gear actuator
business and the list goes on. Today, we’re building upon our legacy with the introduction of exciting
new products, including the world’s first HMI-certified ratchet lever hoist and CM® Smart ID™ radio
frequency identification technology.

As we commemorate this landmark event, it’s important to not only reflect on our past, but also
envision the future. Times will change, but we will not deviate from our mission to provide the safest,
most productive material handing solutions available.

Thank you for supporting Columbus McKinnon. We look forward to another 140 years of making history.

TIMOTHY T. TEVENS
PRES ID EN T & CEO
C O LU M B U S M C K I N N O N C O R P O R AT I O N

3
 1875-1899
Rebuilding
a Nation
amid rapid industrialization, the early ancestors
of Columbus McKinnon establish a formidable presence
in the Gilded Age.

4
5
 1875
YA L E & T OW N E M A N U FAC T U R I N G C O . AC Q U I R E S
THE PATENT RIGHT S TO THE WES TON DIFFERENTIAL
P U L L E Y B LO C K A N D S TA R T S T H E P RO D U C T I O N
OF YALE ® HOIS T S.

1875
E.Y. MOORE AND SAMUEL MOORE as the dust settled on the civil war and reconstruction, 
FO R M T H E M O O R E M A N U FAC T U R I N G
C O M PA N Y O F C H I CAG O .
the United States began the long process of mending political and racial divisions.
However, there was one area that flourished during this time of uncertainty — industry.

Sparked by the Industrial Revolution making its way across the Atlantic Ocean,
American manufacturing surged. Between 1870 and the end of the century, the number
of manufacturing workers doubled. By 1890, America had surpassed England as the
world leader of steel manufacturing. Thanks to newly built railroads, people and goods
swiftly ventured coast to coast. As industry soared, so too did city skylines, as evidenced
by the rise of skyscrapers in major metropolises such as Chicago and New York.

At the same time the United States was undergoing a literal and figurative rebuilding
process, the foundation of Columbus McKinnon was also being established. Our story
doesn’t begin with a single founder or definitive commencement. Rather, we trace our
roots back to numerous individuals with various backgrounds and ambitions. While
each followed a unique path, their contributions eventually converged to help form the
company we know today.
6
 1877
ALFRED E. BOX CRANE AND HOIS T CORPORATION
IS FOUNDED IN PHIL ADELPHIA , PENNSYLVANIA .

1877
YA L E & T OW N E M A N U FAC T U R I N G C O.
DEBUTS THE FIRST SPUR-GEARED
H A N D C H A I N H O I S T, I N C O R P O R AT I N G
THE WES TON SCREW LOAD BRAKE.

l .e . m c kin non
Born in Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada, Lachlan Ebenezer (L.E.)
McKinnon would go on to contribute more than just his name
to our current company. He began his career as a hardware
clerk — eventually becoming a founding partner of McKinnon
and Mitchell Hardware, which led to the McKinnon Dash
Company and then Columbus McKinnon. At its peak, his
company was one of the largest — if not the preeminent —
manufacturer of wagon and saddlery hardware in the world.
McKinnon was also an important contributor to the
company’s international expansion.

7
 MC KINNON AND MITC HELL HARDWARE OPENS IT S DOORS
1878 1879
BERNHARD KOZLOWSKI FOUNDS
1880
H . S . M A N N I N G A N D C O M PA N Y, E S TA B L I S H E D
IN S T. CATHARINES, ONTARIO, CANADA , TO BUYERS OF S TAHLHAMMER BOMMERN ON THE SITE OF I N 1 871 , C H A N G E S I T S N A M E T O M A N N I N G ,
SADDLERY AND WAGON HARDWARE. WAGON GEARS AND THE BOMMERNBANK COAL MINE IN MAXWELL & MOORE INC. AND BECOMES THE
THE PATENTED ADJUS TABLE DASH ARE MANUFACTURED THE TOWN OF BOMMERN , GERMANY. EXCLUSIVE SALES AGENT FOR THE SHAW
IN A SMALL, FOUR-MAN WORKSHOP IN THE REAR E L E C T R I C C R A N E C O M PA N Y.
O F T H E S TO R E . L AC HL A N E B E N E Z E R M C K I N N O N
B E C O M E S T H E S TO R E OW N E R A N D B U S I N E S S PAR T N E R .

8
e .y. m oore
A prolific inventor and progressive entrepreneur, E.Y. Moore
is considered one of the founding fathers of Columbus
McKinnon. Between 1876 and 1926, Moore registered nearly
100 patents. Initially, he was focused on new designs for sliding
and hanging doors used on railroad freight cars, but in the
late 1880s, his inventions moved increasingly toward the
development of hoists, trolleys and cranes — an integral part
of the Columbus McKinnon we know today.

Moore’s business journey included stops in Chicago, Illinois;

Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Cleveland, Ohio. In its 1898 catalog,
the Chisholm and Moore Manufacturing Company featured
elevator and baggage car door hangers, trolleys, cranes and
Moore’s anti-friction differential chain pulley block. In 1899,
the company expanded its offering to include the Moore
Electric Hoist with capacities up to 15 tons and, one year later,
it added pneumatic drills, two-speed cranes, pickets and rail
joints. In 1928, Chisholm and Moore Manufacturing would
be acquired by the Columbus McKinnon Chain Company.

9

1883
T H E D U F F M A N U FAC T U R I N G C O M PA N Y I S FO R M E D I N P I T T S B U RG H ,
PENNSYLVANIA , BY JOSIAH BARRET, A RIVER BOAT CAPTAIN , AND
SA M U E L D U F F, A M AC H I N E S H O P OW N E R . T H E C O M PA N Y S TA R T E D
BY BUILDING JAC KS TO PULL RIVER BARGES TOGETHER AND
WOULD EVENTUALLY PIONEER THE MODERN-DAY SCREW JAC K.
KNOWN TODAY AS DUFF -NORTON AND LOCATED IN C HARLOTTE,
N O R T H CARO L I N A , T H E C O M PA N Y I S O N E O F T H E WO R L D ’ S
L ARGES T MANUFACTURERS OF MOTION TEC HNOLOGY PRODUCT S.
10
1887
T H E M C K I N N O N DA S H A N D H A R DWA R E C O M PA N Y
G O E S I N T E R N AT I O N A L W I T H T H E C R E AT I O N O F
A BUFFALO, NEW YORK, SUBSIDIARY CALLED
T H E M C K I N N O N DA S H C O M PA N Y. T H I S C O M PA N Y
B R A N C H E S O U T I N T O T H E M A N U FAC T U R I N G
OF A VARIET Y OF PRODUCT S THAT MADE USE
O F M E TA L , I N C LU D I N G S U S P E N D E R B U C K L E S ,
BICYCLES AND C HAINS.
MC KINNON AND MITC HELL HARDWARE
1887
I S R E N A M E D T H E M C K I N N O N DA S H
A N D H A R DWA R E C O M PA N Y. S H O R T LY
T H E R E A F T E R , T H E C O M PA N Y A D D S A
F U L L L I N E O F SA D D L E RY, I N C LU D I N G
A L L T H E VA R I O U S C O M P O N E N T S O F
A HORSE’S HARNESS.
1888
alton j. shaw builds a three -motor

e le c t ric cr ane.  Shaw, a draftsman and later a

master mechanic with the Edwin P. Allis Company,

noted that early crane units were difficult to operate

and costly due to frequent shut downs for repairs.

Shaw felt that if each movement of the crane,

including the hoist, trolley and bridge, could be

actuated by its own reversible electric motor,

a simpler and more efficient crane could be built.

His invention was not only successful, but attracted

the attention of many other manufacturers,

including Williams Engine Works and the Union

Pacific Railroad shops in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

11
 early years of the yale locke
ma nu fac tu r ing c om pa n y
Though not a part of the Columbus McKinnon family
until 1996, Yale Hoists celebrates its own rich tradition.
Established in 1868 as the Yale Locke Manufacturing
Company by Linus Yale Jr. and Henry R. Towne,
the company called Stamford, Connecticut, its home.
Unfortunately, Yale passed away soon after, at which
point the company was renamed Yale & Towne
Manufacturing Company.
1890
ALTON J. SHAW AND JOHN EMERY, JR.
FO R M T H E S H AW E L E C T R I C C R A N E C O M PA N Y
AND MOVE OPERATIONS FROM MILWAUKEE,
WISCONSIN , TO MUSKEGON , MIC HIG AN .
thomas weston
A renowned British mechanical engineer, Thomas
Weston left an indelible mark on Yale’s success.
Before joining the company, Weston invented the
Differential Pulley Block — the first engineered hoist.
As a Yale employee, his screw load brake led to the
development of the first spur-geared hand chain hoist.
The Weston-style brake is still used today in nearly all
manual hoists and many electric hoists, ranging from
the CM Bandit ratchet lever hoist to the Coffing® EC
electric chain hoist.

12
 1898
M O O R E M A N U FAC T U R I N G C O M PA N Y I S R E N A M E D
T H E C H I S H O L M A N D M O O R E M A N U FAC T U R I N G C O M PA N Y,
I N C O R P O R AT I N G T H E N A M E S O F B O T H S . H . C H I S H O L M , T H E
C O M PA N Y ’ S P R E S I D E N T, A N D V I C E P R E S I D E N T, E . Y. M O O R E .

1893
S H AW E L E C T R I C C R A N E C O M PA N Y
1898
T H E C H I S H O L M A N D M O O R E M A N U FAC T U R I N G
DE VELOPS THE FIRS T ELECTRIC HOIS T. C O M PA N Y I S AWA R D E D T H E G O L D M E DA L
FO R C H A I N H O I S T S A N D D O O R H A N G E R S BY T H E
T R A N S - M I S S I S S I P P I I N T E R N AT I O N A L E X P O S I T I O N .

13
 1900-1913
A New Century
of Enterprise

during an era defined by innovation, 

unbridled ingenuity propels our company forward.

14
15
 1900
JULIUS S TONE’S CAREER
I N M A N U FAC T U R I N G B E G I N S I N
COLUMBUS, OHIO, AND LEADS TO THE
FO R M AT I O N O F T H E S E AG R AV E C O M PA N Y,
A MAKER OF MOTORIZED FIRE ENGINES.
16
the dawn of the 20 th century brought renewed hope  
to a burgeoning country. Unfortunately, such optimism was interrupted by
President McKinley’s assassination at the 1901 Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo,
New York — less than 10 miles from Columbus McKinnon’s current headquarters.
From national tragedy rose Theodore Roosevelt, one of America’s most iconic figures.
Following his confident, adventurous lead, innovative thinkers pushed the boundaries
of engineering, from the Wright Brothers’ first flight to Henry Ford’s Model T
automobile. Meanwhile in Central America, the United States took over construction
and prepared for the grand opening of the Panama Canal.
Innovation was also a common theme for Columbus McKinnon’s predecessors in the
early 1900s. New initiatives, novel products and original processes ignited rapid growth
and positioned the company to successfully evolve in an ever-changing world.
1900
ar ou n d t h e t u r n o f t h e ce n t u ry, 

the Columbus Chain Company is established in

Columbus, Ohio, by employees of the Hayden Iron

Company. Dating back to 1825 as a producer of 1902

harness hardware, Hayden was among the first
A YO U N G E N G I N E E R N A M E D
AUGUS T PFAFF PURC HASES GOTTFRIED
SC HOBER. PFAFF REES TABLISHES
T H E O R I G I N A L N A M E O F W I N D E N FA B R I K
GOTTFRIED SC HOBER AND REFOCUSES
THE BUSINESS ON MASS PRODUCTION .

domestic suppliers of chain to compete with

English manufacturers. Columbus Chain Company

continued the tradition of excellence. Their famous

Hercules Solid Weld Steam Shovel Chain earned the

distinction as “the chain that built the Panama Canal.”

“The chain that built the Panama Canal.”

17
 1904
C HISHOLM AND MOORE INTRODUCES
THE CYCLONE ® HIGH-SPEED HOIS T AND
AL SO BEGINS PRODUCTION OF TROLLEY
HOIS T S AND SHELL TONGS TO HANDLE
AMMUNITION ON U.S. NAVAL SHIPS AND
TORPEDOES ON SUBMARINES.

cyclone
A pivotal moment in the company's history occurred in
1904 when Chisholm and Moore introduces the Cyclone
high-speed hoist. Touting capacities up to 20 tons, the hoist
is designed to be 80% efficient — a rate unheard of at the
time. According to the Chisholm and Moore catalog, it was
“practicable to gear the [Cyclone] to very high speed, higher
than that of any other hoist yet manufactured.”

Considered one of the most popular and reliable hand

chain hoists ever designed, the Cyclone has endured for
well over 100 years and, today, is made in our manufacturing
facility in Lisbon, Ohio.

18
1905
ar c hi e m c k i nno n, l.e . mck in non ’s
1905
M A N N I N G , M A X W E L L & M O O R E AC Q U I R E S I T S
n ep hew, a pp li e s e le c t r ic we ld ing t o OW N S O U RC E S O F S U P P LY, P U RC H A S I N G T H E A S H C RO F T
M A N U FAC T U R I N G C O . , T H E C O N S O L I DAT E D SA F E T Y
VALV E C O M PA N Y A N D T H E S H AW E L E C T R I C
C R A N E C O M PA N Y, A M O N G O T H E R S .
the c ha i n - m a k i ng p r o c e ss.  Previously,

the McKinnon Dash and Hardware Company had 1905

S H AW E L E C T R I C C R A N E C O M PA N Y
DEVELOPS THE FIRS T ELECTRIC
CABLE HOIS T. THE T WO-GEAR REDUCTION
only used the technique to assemble dash frames. D R I V E I S A N I N N OVAT I O N T H AT E N A B L E S
FAS T E R A N D M O R E E F F I C I E N T L I F T I N G .

The experiment proves successful and partially

replaces the old method of fire welding. This

chain-making process would remain an important

part of McKinnon Chain’s business as it eventually

moves away from horse and buggy components and

into new markets. Spending his entire career with the

company, Archie McKinnon will prove to be a key

contributor to its growth.

19
 “During 77 years, I have not made
less than 800 or 1,000 miles of chain.”
— J E T H R O B I L L I N G H A M

1906
YALE INTRODUCES THE
YALE MODEL KY — IT S FIRS T
WIRE ROPE HOIS T.

j e t hro bil l i ngha m

Soon after opening its doors in 1900, the Columbus Chain
Company hired a man by the name of Jethro Billingham. Raised
in England’s “Black Country” during the Industrial Revolution,
Billingham was introduced to the craft of chain making at an
early age. As part of the family business, his first duties included
the grueling task of blowing the bellows of the forge. By the time
he arrived in Columbus, Ohio, his refined skills would have a
significant impact on Columbus Chain. In fact, the company made
fire-welded chain using techniques very similar to those that
Billingham had mastered back in England.

20
 1907
T H E M C K I N N O N DA S H A N D H A R DWA R E C O M PA N Y,
N OW O P E R AT I N G U N D E R T H E N A M E O F M C K I N N O N
DASH AND METAL WORKS COMPANY, IS NAMED THE
L ARGES T EMPLOYER OF SKILLED L ABOR IN THE
NIAG ARA PENINSUL A BY THE BOARD OF TRADE.

1907
YALE & TOWNE MANUFACTURING
1909
T H E M C K I N N O N C H A I N C O M PA N Y L I M I T E D I S
C O M PA N Y I N T RO D U C E S T H E FORMED AS AN INDEPENDENT ORG ANIZATION BY THE
MODEL 20 HOIS T. MC KINNON DASH AND METAL WORKS COMPANY WITH
P L A N T S I N S T. CAT H A R I N E S , O N TA R I O , CAN A DA ,
A N D T O N AWA N DA , N E W YO R K .

21
22
 1911
FRANZ AND CLEMENS SC HNEIDER PURC HASE
S TAHLHAMMER BOMMERN AFTER THE DEATH
O F T H E C O M PA N Y ’ S FO U N D E R , B E R N H A R D
KOZLOWSKI. THE NEW OWNERS INVES T IN THREE
N E W S T E A M - P OW E R E D FORG I N G H A M M E R S .

MC KINNON C HAIN PURC HASES THE AUTOMATIC

1910 1911
LIS TER BOLT & C HAIN IS
1912
S TAHLHAMMER BOMMERN
C H A I N C O M PA N Y O F B R I D G E P O R T, C O N N E C T I C U T, FOUNDED AS A BL AC KSMITH FORGES IT S FIRS T CRANE HOOK.
A LO N G W I T H I T S PAT E N T FO R T H E C O U LT E R S H O P I N VAN C O U V E R , CAN A DA .
C H A I N - FO R M I N G M AC H I N E .

23
 1914-1928
The War
and the Roar

as the world engages in combat, 

Columbus McKinnon fights to overcome internal struggles.

24
25
 the world held its collective breath as tensions boiled over
in europe. Economic powers collided, including the United States, who joined
the conflict three years into “The Great War.” When the fighting finally ceased,
treaties were signed, the League of Nations was formed and maps were redrawn —
forever changing the global landscape.

Following the war, some countries embarked on a long road of recovery while
others experienced a sudden rise of prosperity and human achievement. More than
flappers and jazz music, the Roaring Twenties witnessed the popularization of the
automobile, the invention of the television and, in London, England, the miraculous
discovery of penicillin by Alexander Flemming.

Columbus McKinnon was not immune to the ups and downs of this period. Ownership
would change hands and its location would shift. But by the end of the 1920s,
the company would once again be on stable ground and ready for what lies ahead.

26
 1917
The paths of Columbus the columbus chain company and the

and McKinnon unite. mcki nnon chain company mer ge  to create

the Columbus McKinnon Chain Company in the

C HISHOLM MOORE WINS THE

1915 U.S. and McKinnon Columbus in Canada. At the
HIGHES T AWARD FOR C HAIN HOIS T S
AT T H E PAN A M A - PAC I F I C
I N T E R N AT I O N A L E X P O S I T I O N
time, the McKinnon Chain Company had more
I N SA N F R A N C I S C O , CA L I FO R N I A .

advanced technology, specifically the production

of electric-welded chain, and the Columbus Chain

Company possessed a superior knowledge of the

American market.

27
 1922
a s t he automobi le r i ses i n popular i ty, 

L.E. McKinnon decides to focus his business

exclusively on automobile products, including

THE ALFRED E. BOX CRANE AND HOIS T

1921 differential and transmission gears, rings, axles,
C O R P O R AT I O N D E V E LO P S T H E F I R S T
ELECTRIC PAC KAGE HOIS T. THE LOAD
LIFTER ® WOULD BE AN EARLY GENERATION
windshields and radiators. McKinnon Industries,
OF TODAY’S SHAW -BOX ® SERIES 700, 800
AND 900 LINE OF WIRE ROPE HOIS T S.

parent company of the Columbus McKinnon Chain

Company, sells the chain portion of the business to

Columbus McKinnon and the companies go their

separate ways. After McKinnon’s death, McKinnon

Industries would eventually be acquired by

General Motors of Canada.

28
29
 1924
F R E D C O F F I N G O F DA N V I L L E , I L L I N O I S ,
S TA R T S T H E C O F F I N G H O I S T C O M PA N Y T O
MANUFACTURE A RATC HET LEVER DEVICE THAT
C O U L D B E U S E D BY U T I L I T Y C O M PA N I E S T O
T E N S I O N L I N E S . T O DAY, T H E C O F F I N G B R A N D I S
S T I L L K N OW N FO R E C O N O M I CA L , U S E R - F R I E N D LY
HAND C HAIN HOIS T S AND LEVER TOOL S FO R
M A I N T E N A N C E A N D R E PA I R P RO F E S S I O N A L S .

30
julius stone
Julius Stone was a man of many talents and experiences.
The son of a German immigrant, Julius was born in 1855.
From a family including 14 children and little money for
schooling, Julius was mainly self educated. His early career
was eclectic, including positions as a telegraph operator,
a coal miner, a brakeman and a fireman. Ever an adventurer,
1925
J U L I U S S TO N E , A M E M B E R O F C O LU M B U S
Stone made a total of 23 journeys along the Colorado River, MC KINNON’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS,
P U RC H A S E S T H E C O M PA N Y.
including his last at the impressive age of 83. His time in
manufacturing began in 1900 when he helped form the
Seagrave Company, a motorized fire engine manufacturer
in Columbus, Ohio.

Stone was also at the center of a pivotal moment in Columbus

McKinnon history. Soon after the split of Columbus and
McKinnon interests, the company began to struggle.
A member of the Board of Directors, Julius purchased
Columbus McKinnon in 1925. One of his first crucial
decisions was to phase out the fire-welded chain made in
the Columbus, Ohio, facility in favor of the electric-weld
technique used in the Tonawanda, New York, plant. With his
vision and leadership, Julius Stone made an indelible mark
on Columbus McKinnon, positioning the company
for growth and success long into the future.

31
 1927
T H E S TO N E FA M I LY M OV E S T H E C O LU M B U S
ch is h o lm mo o r e’s M C K I N N O N C O M PA N Y H E A D Q UA R T E R S
TO TONAWANDA , NEW YORK.
contributions to the military
In the early 1900s, E.Y. Moore and Chisholm Moore designed
and produced trolley hoists and shell tongs that were used
by the U.S. Navy for handling ship ammunition and
submarine torpedoes. In 1916, the company catalog touted,
“Chisholm Moore hoist equipment today is used in all parts
of the world, under every condition, and is specified by the
largest industrial concerns in this country and on the
battleships of the U.S. Navy.”

32
1928
the c hi s h o lm m o o r e c o m pa n y is

acquired by columbus mckinnon, 

allowing the company to manufacture and offer

two closely related products — chain and hoists. 1928

D U F F M A N U FAC T U R I N G C O M PA N Y AC Q U I R E S
A . O . N O R T O N C O M PA N Y O F M O L I N E , I L L I N O I S ,
BECOMING DUFF-NORTON CO.
The merger would help Columbus McKinnon to

better compete with the American Chain Company,

which had recently purchased the Ford Chain

Block Company and the Wright Hoist

Manufacturing Company.

33
 1929-1938
Navigating
The Crash

not even the great depression could slow down

Columbus McKinnon’s growth and innovation.

34
35
 1929
C O LU M B U S M C K I N N O N I S
I N C O R P O R AT E D A N D R E N A M E D
C O LU M B U S M C K I N N O N C O R P O R AT I O N .
36
when the great depression hit, the entire country—including
columbus mckinnon—felt the effects. Sales slumped and every order
was worth celebrating. But neither the country nor company were ready to admit
defeat. Franklin D. Roosevelt responded to the economic disaster with redefining
programs such as The New Deal, the Works Progress Administration and the
Fair Labor Standards Act.
Meanwhile, Columbus McKinnon aggressively invested in research and development,
which would lead to an array of breakthrough products. Leadership also set their sights
on international expansion and venturing into new markets. These actions helped
the company avoid catastrophe and, in fact, emerge from the 1930s as strong as ever.
1932
manning, maxwell and moore purchases

the alfred e. box crane and hoist

c o r p o r at i o n o f p h i la de lp h ia .  The new

acquisition is joined with the Shaw Electric Crane

Company under the division name of Shaw-Box

Crane and Hoist Company. Shaw was known for the

constant refinement and development of heavy-duty

industrial cranes, while Alfred E. Box developed

the first electric hoist. Made today in Wadesboro,

North Carolina, the Shaw-Box line of hoists is still

widely used in the material handling industry.

37
 1932
C O LU M B U S M C K I N N O N I N T RO D U C E S
th e j o urney to
A MOTORIZED CYCLONE — IT S FIRS T HAND
C H A I N H O I S T U T I L I Z I N G A P OW E R E D T RO L L E Y.
sou th afri ca
When word got out that a competitor was considering
building a new facility in South Africa, Columbus McKinnon
decided to beat them to the punch. The company was already
exporting chain to the country for mining and agriculture,
so it was a logical destination for Columbus McKinnon’s
first international expansion. In 1934, Julius Stone, his son and
Archie McKinnon traveled to South Africa to establish the new
corporation. One short year later, an American-Canadian team
led by Frank Stahl embarked on an ocean voyage to get the
new factory up and running. When they arrived, machinery
was set up and the work force assembled. On July 4, 1935,
the first link of chain was produced and sent to Julius Stone.
The new facility would soon manufacture tire chain,
ladder chain for gold mines, trek chain for oxen and anchor
chain. By 1965, McKinnon Chain (S.A.) Ltd. had several
subsidiaries in South Africa.
38
 1934
P RO D U C T I O N O F T H E E VA N S CA R LOA D I N G
HOIS T REAC HES 200 PER DAY. DEVELOPED BY
C O LU M B U S M C K I N N O N , T H E S E WO R M - D R I V E N
WIRE ROPE HOIS T S COULD LIFT AND TILT FOUR
AUTOMOBILES INTO A S TANDARD RAILROA D
BOXCAR, PREVENTING DAMAGE TO THE CARS.

39
 1935
SHAW - BOX CRANE AND HOIS T COMPANY
DEVELOPS THE BUDGIT ® ELECTRIC HOIS T.
I T I S T H E WO R L D ’ S F I R S T P O R TA B L E
ELECTRIC C HAIN HOIS T AND IS SIMPLE
FOR USERS TO HANG UP, PLUG IN AND USE.

1935
F R A N Z S TO N E B E C O M E S P R E S I D E N T
O F C O LU M B U S M C K I N N O N , B E G I N N I N G
A S T U N N I N G 5 0 -Y E A R - P LU S RUN
AT THE HELM.

1935
D U F F - N O R T O N D E V E LO P S T H E WO R M G E A R
ACTUATOR (SCREW JAC K) — A DEVICE USED
TO MOVE OR HOLD AN ITEM IN PL ACE BY
M E C H A N I CA L LY C O N V E R T I N G ROTA RY M O T I O N
INTO LINEAR MOTION . THIS INVENTION WILL
PAVE THE WAY FOR MODERN-DAY SCREW
JAC K T E C H N O LO GY.

40
Revolutionizing a stronger, lighter and more
temperature-resistant chain.

herc-alloy ® c ha i n
a rrives i n 1935
Herc-Alloy® chain isn’t just one of our most influential
products, it’s also a story of Columbus McKinnon creating
an innovative solution for our customers. In the 1930s,
the Sullivan Machinery Company in New Hampshire was
in need of a chain strong enough for the demands of the coal
mining industry. At the same time, steel mills were looking
for stronger, lighter and more temperature-resistant chain.
In response, Frank Stahl, superintendent at Columbus
McKinnon’s chain manufacturing facility in Tonawanda,
New York, worked with a metallurgist to develop the first
alloy chain. The invention would eventually replace the
industry-standard wrought iron chain used for overhead
lifting and be the predecessor of today’s Herc-Alloy 800®
and Herc-Alloy® 1000 chain, hooks and overhead
rigging attachments.

41
42
 1936
YA L E B E G I N S M A N U FAC T U R I N G H O I S T S
I N V E L B E R T, G E R M A N Y, W I T H P RO D U C T I O N
O F T H E WO R L D - R E N OW N E D YA L E P U L - L I F T.®
THIS ROBUS T AND RELIABLE TOOL IS
S O L D U N T I L 1 974 U N D E R T H E B K S B R A N D .
M A N U FAC T U R E D T O DAY I N W U P P E R TA L ,
1938
C O LU M B U S M C K I N N O N I N T RO D U C E S
GERMANY, PRODUCTION OF THE YALE THE WORLD’S FIRS T SURFACE-HARDENED
PUL -LIFT HAS EXCEEDED ONE MILLION UNIT S. ALLOY S TEEL HOIS T LOAD C HAIN .

1936
C O LU M B U S M C K I N N O N D E B U T S T H E
1938
F R A N K LOC K E , A N E N G I N E E R R E C RU I T E D
CM MODEL P PULLER RATC HET LEVER FROM THE KRUPP WORKS IN GERMANY,
HOIS T. THIS IS THE FIRS T CM HOIS T D E V E LO P S T H E CA B L E K I N G E L E C T R I C W I R E
TO USE CARBURIZED ALLOY LOAD ROPE HOIS T. IT IS THE FIRS T L ARGE-CAPACIT Y
C HAIN — A LIGHTER AND HARDER LOAD E L E C T R I C W I R E RO P E M O N O R A I L H O I S T A N D
C HAIN THAT MAKES A WHOLE NEW IS THE PREDECESSOR OF THE MODERN
GENERATION OF CM HOIS T S POSSIBLE. CABLE KING LINE SOLD TODAY.
THE MODEL P PULLER IS AL SO THE
F I R S T TAN G I B L E R E S U LT O F P RO D U C T
I N T E R AC T I O N B E T W E E N T H E C O M PA N Y ’ S
C HAIN AND HOIS T PRODUCT S.

43
 1939-1954
Alliances and
Opportunities

columbus mckinnon makes an impact on

World War II and expands its presence in the market.

44
45
 1939
H U M P H R E Y PA R K E R I S N A M E D
C O LU M B U S M C K I N N O N ’ S F I R S T
DIRECTOR OF RESEARC H.
for the second time in three decades, the world became divided
by conflict. On multiple fronts, the Allied Forces fought to overcome oppression
and restore sovereignty. During the most widespread war in history, participating
countries devoted substantial personnel and resources to the effort. World War II also
reshaped cultural norms and everyday life, from food rationing to women following
Rosie the Riveter’s lead by working in factories and shipyards while men were in service.

Like many industrial companies, Columbus McKinnon was an active participant in the
war effort. Not only did American military branches value the quality and craftsmanship
of our products, but the president of our company played an influential role in planning
and strategy at the nation’s capital. At the same time, the company made great strides
in research and development, as well as forming international partnerships to
fuel expansion.

Following the war, the United Nations was formed to promote international
cooperation. The “Greatest Generation” would continue leaving its mark on
history with advancements in technology, science and healthcare.
46
1941
columbus mckinnon launches the

me te or®,  the first hoist developed through

the company’s new independent research and

development function. This low-headroom hoist

uses steel weldments in place of castings and

introduces low-voltage, two-speed push-button

control. Accompanying the Meteor is a new

powered trolley design with motor-driven geared

wheels on one side that allow for field adjustment

for beam size.

47
 1941
franz stone takes a leave of absence
from columbus mckinnon to serve in the
Tools Division of the Office of Production Management
in Washington, D.C. During World War II, he would
also be involved with the Office of Strategic Services
and the Foreign Economic Administration.
“We were making so many hand hoists for the Air Force that
we thought they might be dropping them instead of bombs.”
— J O H N G O O D W I N ,
48
se rv ing th e mi l i tary ’s needs
During World War II, Columbus McKinnon produced
countless hoists for the United States military, specifically
the Air Force. But that wasn’t the only in-demand product.
The government was in need of a tie-down chain with a
guaranteed ultimate strength of 14,000 lbs. Of all the domestic
chain manufacturers, Columbus McKinnon was the only one
that was able to rise to the challenge. The special chain
was used by both the Navy and Air Force. After the war,
Columbus McKinnon was awarded an “E” for excellence
in production of war equipment.
V I C E P R E S I D E N T O F F I N A N C E
49
 1942
C H E S T E R H O I S T L AU N C H E S
THE MODEL 41 SPUR GEAR C HAIN HOIS T.

1942
THE WRIGHT BROTHERS OPEN THE S TAHLHAMMER BOMMERN IS PART OF THE
1943
C H E S T E R M A N U FAC T U R I N G C O M PA N Y D I N WO R K I N G G RO U P T H AT I N T RO D U C E S T H E
IN LISBON , OHIO. F I R S T I N D U S T RY N O R M S ( D I N 6 87 A N D 6 8 9 )
FOR CRANE HOOKS AND EYE HOOKS — T WO
O F T H E C O M PA N Y ’ S P R I M A RY P RO D U C T S .

chester manufacturing company

The roots of Chester Hoist date back to 1881 when Hugh Wright
formed the Wright Hoist Company in Lisbon, Ohio. In 1928,
the Wright Hoist Company was sold to the American Chain
and Cable Company, today known as ACCO, and later moved
to York, Pennsylvania. In 1942, Hugh's grandsons, Charles and
William Wright, returned to Lisbon from York and followed
their grandfather into the hoist business by starting the
Chester Manufacturing Company.

50
1950
already the most efficient electronic

hoist on the market, the Load Lifter

from Shaw-Box Crane and Hoist Company is

completely remodeled and reintroduced as the

SHAW - BOX CRANE AND HOIS T COMPANY
1950
DEVELOPS THE BUDGIT ALUMINUM C HAIN

Series 700 Load Lifter. B LO C K . E A S I LY P O R TA B L E , T H I S U N I T

PROVIDES EXCEPTIONALLY SMOOTH
LIFTING AND HIGH STRENGTH.

51
 1953
U N I F I E D I N D U S T R I E S I S I N C O R P O R AT E D .

1953
C HES TER HOIS T SET S A NEW S TANDARD
FOR LOW -PROFILE HOIS T S WITH
THE INTRODUCTION OF THE MODEL 41
T YPE L MANUAL TROLLEY HOIS T.

52
 C HES TER HOIS T INTRODUCES THE ZEPHYR
1954
S TEEL FRAME HAND C HAIN HOIS T, WHIC H
WAS TES TED AND APPROVED TO U.S. MILITARY
S P E C I F I CAT I O N M I L - H - 9 0 4 . T H AT SA M E Y E A R ,
C HES TER HOIS T BEGINS PRODUCTION OF
S PA R K - R E S I S TA N T H A N D C H A I N H O I S T S .

53
 1955-1979
Race to the Top

while international powers take to the skies, 

Columbus McKinnon builds momentum around the globe.

54
55
 1955
T H E D U F F - N O R T O N C O M PA N Y O F it was an era defined by fierce competition. Amidst the Cold War, the
PITT SBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA , PURC HASES
T H E C O F F I N G H O I S T C O M PA N Y O F
DA N V I L L E , I L L I N O I S . A L R E A DY A L E A D I N G
United States and the former USSR vied for supremacy not only by land and sea—but
PRODUCER OF MEC HANICAL JAC KS,
DUFF-NORTON IS ABLE TO ENTER THE in space. The Soviets led the space race with the launching of the first orbiting satellite,
HOIS T MARKET.
Sputnik, and the United States responded with the first lunar landing by Apollo 11.

The post-war economic boom continued, allowing industries and business to reach
new heights. Never content with its current position, Columbus McKinnon further
pushed the envelope with exciting new products, including the introduction of the
ball screw actuator and our flagship hoist — the CM Lodestar®. The company also began
the process of improving facilities and acquiring chain, hoist and forging manufacturers
across North America, Europe, Africa and Australia.

56
1955
columbus mckinnon introduces the

iconic cm lodestar ® electric chain

hoist. Developed through meticulous engineering,

generations of material handling professionals in both

the industrial and entertainment markets rely on the

Lodestar for the most demanding and challenging

applications. Its legacy continues today as the signature

electric chain hoist in Columbus McKinnon’s portfolio.

57
 1955
columbus mckinnon introduces the

ha mme r l o k ®,  the world's first mechanical

coupling link. The Hammerlok enables users of chain

slings to form slings at the job site, rather than relying 1958
CA M LO K , O R I G I N A L LY
1959
C O LU M B U S M C K I N N O N O P E N S I T S
1960
DUFF-NORTON AND
DEEWELD LTD., IS FOUNDED NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT COFFING HOISTS
IN ENGLAND. AND ENGINEERING CENTER MOVE TO C HARLOTTE,
on assembly at the factory or service station. Today, I N T O N AWA N DA , N E W YO R K . N O R T H CA RO L I N A .

the dual-rated CM Hammerlok is used side by side

with Herc-Alloy 800 and 1000 chain and rigging

attachments in all parts of the world.

58
 1966
D U F F - N O R T O N P U RC H A S E S 17 AC R E S
O F L A N D I N WA D E S B O RO , N O R T H CARO L I N A ,
AND BUILDS A NEW 30,000 SQUARE FOOT
P L A N T. A Y E A R L AT E R , C O F F I N G A N D
REL ATED HOIS T PRODUCT S MOVE INTO
THE NEW FACILIT Y.

1963
EATON CORPORATION MERGES WITH
1964
D R E S S E R I N D U S T R I E S , I N C . P U RC H A S E S M A N N I N G ,
1966
C O LU M B U S M C K I N N O N O P E N S A
YALE & TOWNE MANUFACTURING. MAXWELL AND MOORE, INC. AND ALL OF ITS NEW PL ANT IN S T. CATHARINES,
SUBSIDIARIES, INCLUDING THE SHAW -BOX ONTARIO, CANADA , TO MANUFACTURE
C R A N E A N D H O I S T C O M PA N Y. T H E N A M E I S HOIS T S AND C HAIN .
C HANGED TO DRESSER CRANE, HOIS T & TOWER
DIVISION, DRESSER INDUSTRIES, INC.

international expansion & bill devonshire

When the company made a strategic decision to increase exports and pursue
international partnerships in the mid 1950s, the man for the job was Bill
Devonshire. Previously the head of product development, Bill successfully
established distribution networks throughout Europe. By the 1970s, Columbus
McKinnon had more than 100 distributors located in over 70 countries.

59
 1967
O R I G I N A L LY U S E D I N M A N UA L H O I S T S,
C O LU M B U S M C K I N N O N I N T RO D U C E S A N E W
VERSION OF IT S CASE-HARDENED HOIS TALOY ®
C H A I N FO R P OW E R E D H O I S T S . F E AT U R I N G
E XC E L L E N T W E A R P RO P E R T I E S A N D I M PAC T
S TRENGTH, THE C HAIN IS EMBOSSED WITH A
S TA R A N D T H E I N D U S T RY B E G I N S R E F E R R I N G
TO IT AS “S TAR GRADE C HAIN .” TODAY,
1969
C O LU M B U S M C K I N N O N
THIS CHAIN IS RECOGNIZED AS THE GOLD OPENS A HOIS T FACTORY
S TANDARD OF LOAD C HAIN . IN DAMASCUS, VIRGINIA .

1967
ENDOR, S.A . IS FOUNDED.
1968
DUFF-NORTON BECOMES
1969
D U F F - N O R T O N D E V E LO P S T H E
I T I S T H E F I R S T C O M PA N Y T H AT A PAR T O F A M S TA R . FIRS T BALL SCREW ACTUATORS.
MARKET S AND ASSEMBLES LOAD
L I F T I N G A N D M AT E R I A L H A N D L I N G
EQUIPMENT IN MEXICO.

60
 1970
LIS TER BOLT & C HAIN OPENS A NEW 60,000 SQ. FT.
P L A N T I N R I C H M O N D , B R I T I S H C O LU M B I A , CAN A DA .
W I T H T H I S A D D I T I O N , T H E C O M PA N Y E N T E R S
THE LINER BOLT MARKET.

DRESSER INDUS TRIES’ CRANE,

1970 1971
C O LU M B U S M C K I N N O N O P E N S A N E W P L A N T
HOIS T & TOWER DIVISION DEVELOPS IN LEXINGTON , TENNESSEE, TO MAKE CARBON
THE REDLINE ® TUGIT ® L E V E R - O P E R AT E D H O I S T C H A I N P R I M A R I LY FO R T H E C O N S U M E R M A R K E T
WITH A BUILT-IN OVERLOAD PROTECTION A N D T R A N S P O R TAT I O N I N D U S T RY.
DEVICE. THIS IS THE FIRS T HOIS T OF IT S
KIND PRODUCED IN THE UNITED S TATES.

1970
D U F F - N O R T O N I N T RO D U C E S I T S
ELECTROMEC HANICAL ACTUATOR LINE.

1970
C O LU M B U S M C K I N N O N O P E N S A P L A N T
h e r b e rt l ad ds
IN SARASOTA , FLORIDA , TO MANUFACTURE In 1971, Herb Ladds joined Columbus McKinnon to lead the
I T S S P E C I A L C H A I N - M A K I N G E Q U I P M E N T.
sales and marketing department. His keen understanding
of customers would serve him well when he was appointed
president in 1982. During his tenure, Herb oversaw
extraordinary growth and success. Columbus McKinnon was
one of the first companies in the industry to form distribution
advisory boards, which proved to be an effective vehicle
for understanding and communicating with customers.
His contributions to the company’s strategic planning, corporate
values and total quality management are still evident to this day.
Ladds retired from Columbus McKinnon in July of 1998.
61
 1974
1972
D U F F - N O R T O N D E V E LO P S
D U F F - N O R T O N AC Q U I R E S
T H E P E R F E C T I N G S E RV
C O M PA N Y A N D , W I T H
VII C E

THE MINI-HOIS T FOR W.W. THE PURC HASE, ADDS

G R A I N G E R , T H E E XC LU S I V E ROTARY UNIONS TO IT S
DIS TRIBUTOR OF THE PRODUCT. P RO D U C T P O R T FO L I O .

1972
WINDENFABRIK GOTTFRIED
1974
UNIFIED INDUS TRIES
SC HOBER ACQUIRES A NEW PL ANT DEVELOPS PATENT
I N D E RC H I N G , G E R M A N Y, S I T UAT E D TRAC K PROFILES IN
E A S T O F AU G S B U RG . T H E N A M E 4, 5 AND 6 INCHES.
O F T H E C O M PA N Y I S C H A N G E D T O

1974
PFAFF -SILBERBL AU HEBEZEUGFABRIK.

IN THE FIRS T OF A SERIES OF ACQUISITIONS,

C O LU M B U S M C K I N N O N AC Q U I R E S T H E A S S E T S
O F A M E R I CA N E N G I N E E R E D P RO D U C T S I N
MC KEES ROC KS, PENNSYLVANIA . PRODUCERS
O F H E AV Y FORG I N G S FO R T H E S T E E L I N D U S T RY
AND ENERGY PRODUCERS, THE NEW DIVISION
AL SO MANUFACTURES BOTH RATC HET AND
L E V E R -T Y P E LOA D B I N D E R S .

62
 1976
DRESSER INDUS TRIES’ CRANE, HOIS T
& TOWER DIVISION INTRODUCES THE
SHAW -BOX SERIES 900 WIRE ROPE
1979
C O F F I N G H O I S T S D E V E LO P S
HOIS T TO GIVE THE INDUS TRY THE THE EC-1 ELECTRIC C HAIN
A DVA N TAG E S O F W I R E RO P E L I F T I N G HOIS T TO REPL ACE THE
IN 1/2- AND 1-TON CAPACITIES. C O F F I N G J F H O I S T.

1976
C O LU M B U S M C K I N N O N AC Q U I R E S
1978
COFFING HOISTS
1979
C O LU M B U S M C K I N N O N
M I D L A N D FORG E , I N C . O F INTRODUCES THE WR1 ACQUIRES DIXIE INDUS TRIES.
CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA . LINE OF WIRE ROPE HOIS T S.

63
 1980-1999
Breaking Down
Barriers

our company expands its place 

in an ever-shrinking world.

64
65
 Seizing opportunities of a globalized economy.

1980
COFFING HOISTS as globalization accelerated at a rapid pace, goods, people
INTRODUCES THE EC3 LINE OF
ELECTRIC C HAIN HOIS T S.
and ideas began to transcend borders with ease. This “flat world”
opened the door to new business ventures. The emergence of the modern-day
computer ushered in the Age of Information and empowered the dot-com boom
(and subsequent bust).

With increased media presence and 24-hour news coverage, viewers around the globe
could watch cultural movements unfold before their eyes—including the fall of the
Berlin wall and the end of apartheid in South Africa. The formation of the European
Union and creation of the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) further
promoted a more inclusive landscape.

Columbus McKinnon seized vast opportunities within this globalized economy. The
final two decades of the millennium saw the company introduce a host of new products
and technologies, break ground on a new headquarters, open international facilities,
make a series of significant acquisitions and welcome a new group of owners.

66
1980
columbus mckinnon acquires the

ho l man pat e nt,   which is based on the 1981

COLUMBUS MC KINNON BREAKS GROUND
O N I T S C O R P O R AT E H E A D Q UA R T E R S
IN AMHERS T, NEW YORK.
development of a specific cutting and knife

technology for tire shredding. This patent would be 1981

DRESSER INDUS TRIES’ CRANE,
HOIS T & TOWER DIVISION DEVELOPS

used in the company’s first successful tire shredding THE BUDGIT SERIES 8000 HAND C HAIN HOIS T.
F E AT U R I N G A S TA N DA R D OV E R LOA D D E V I C E ,
THE PRODUCT WAS THE FIRS T OF IT S KIND
TO PROVIDE PROTECTION FROM

machine, which was tested by Browning Ferris EXCESSIVE OVERLOADS.

Industries (BFI) for the reduction of whole tires

1981
C O LU M B U S M C K I N N O N S E L L S I T S
F I R S T H O I S T T O T H E E N T E R TA I N M E N T
INDUS TRY — THE CM-ET LODES TAR
ELECTRIC C HAIN MOTOR.
from passenger cars and trucks to 2x2 inch chips

to be used as boiler fuel.

67
 1982
C O LU M B U S M C K I N N O N O P E N S
A NEW C HAIN PL ANT IN
C O B O U RG , O N TA R I O , CAN A DA .
68
1983
EATON SELL S THE YALE HOIS T
1984
WASHINGTON EQUIPMENT COMPANY YALE INDUS TRIAL PRODUCT S GMBH
1985
DIVISION IN THE U.S. TO A PRIVATE OPENS IN WASHINGTON , ILLINOIS. I S FO R M E D I N V E L B E R T, G E R M A N Y,
GROUP OF INVES TORS. THE COMPANY AND TAKES OVER THE PRODUCTION
I S R E N A M E D YA L E I N D U S T R I A L AND DIS TRIBUTION OF YALE
P RO D U C T S , I N C . H O I S T I N G E Q U I P M E N T I N E U RO P E .
1985
to meet customer demand for innovative
1986
L I F T-T E C H I N T E R N AT I O N A L P U RC H A S E S
THE CRANE AND HOIS T DIVISION OF
material handling equipment,  Unified DRESSER INDUS TRIES. WITH THE ACQUISITION ,
LIFT-TEC H CEASES PRODUCTION OF CRANES
TO FOCUS ON SUPPLYING HOIS T S, END TRUC KS
AND OTHER COMPONENT S TO CRANE BUILDERS.
Industries introduces its Enclosed Track Aluminum

(ETA) crane and monorail system. This development 1986

C HES TER HOIS T PRODUCES
IT S FIRS T WORM DRIVE WIRE

made Unified the first in the industry to offer ROPE HOIS T IN LISBON , OHIO.

customers an aluminum track system that utilizes

light-weight castings and high-impact nylon wheels

for unparalleled ease of movement.

1986
A G RO U P O F M A N AG E R S AT C O LU M B U S M C K I N N O N
P U RC H A S E S T H E C O M PA N Y. T H E B U YO U T I N VO LV E D
1 1 INVES TORS AND WAS PUT TOGETHER BY
H E R B E R T P. L A D D S J R . , P R E S I D E N T A N D C E O ,
AND ROBERT L. MONTGOMERY, JR., VICE PRESIDENT
O F F I N A N C E A N D C FO .

69
 as part of its expansion strategy,
columbus mckinnon has acquired
1987
YA L E F R A N C E I S
1988
C HES TER HOIS T DELIVERS
ES TABLISHED THROUGH IT S MODEL SLE ELECTRIC
some of the top material handling MANUTENTION CONNECTION
S.A .R.L., VIERZON . THE
LOW -HEADROOM C HAIN HOIS T
TO THE MARKET.
companies in the world. FAC I L I T Y I S N A M E D
C O LU M B U S M C K I N N O N
F R A N C E SA R L I N 2 0 0 8 .

These new partnerships have allowed the company to

complement its strengths and venture into new markets.

Year Company Acquired Allows Columbus McKinnon to:

1990 Positech Enter the manipulator market.

1994 Durbin Durco Provide metal stamping capabilities and complementary products.
1994 Conco Manipulators Enhance existing manipulator lines.
1995 Cady Lifters, Inc. Complement its hoist products with custom-design tooling.
1995 Endor Add manufacturing presence and strengthen international market position.
1995 Lift-Tech International Add complementary products to become the leading domestic hoist producer.
Brands: Shaw-Box, Chester Hoist, Budgit
1996 Lister Bolt & Chain Strengthen international presence with access to new markets and products.
1996 Yale Industrial Products (Spreckles) Broaden product lines and strengthen international market position.
Brands: Duff-Norton, Coffing Hoists, Little Mule®
1998 Univeyor Offer material handling design and implementation services for entire facilities.
1998 LICO (AS) Become a full-service designer, fabricator and installer of automated material handling systems.
1998 Abell-Howe Crane Division of Abell-Howe Co. Take advantage of numerous cross-selling opportunities for hoist products and solutions.
1998 Societe D’Exploitation des Raccords Gautier (SERG) Enhance rotary union offering and improve international presence.
1999 Camlok Lifting Clamps Ltd. Become the largest plate clamp manufacturer in Europe with the Tigrip product line.
1999 GL International Establish itself as a significant player in the crane building and service markets.
1999 Washington Equipment Company Extend its crane product line and provide additional engineering capabilities.
70
 1989
D U F F - N O R T O N M E RG E S W I T H YA L E
I N D U S T R I A L P RO D U C T S . T H E C O M PA N Y
W I L L E V E N T UA L LY B E C O M E K N OW N A S
D U F F - N O R T O N C O M PA N Y, I N C .

1989
YALE INDUS TRIAL PRODUCT S GMBH CH
1990
HES TER HOIS T ADDS
ADDS HYDRAULIC JAC KS AND TOOL S THE M MODEL
OD SL A PNEUMATIC
AS WELL AS HOISTING EQUIPMENT LOW -HEADROOM
-HE AD C HAIN HOIS T
TO ITS OFFERING. TTO
O IT
I T S P RO D U C T P O R T FO L I O .

71
 1991
D U F F - N O R T O N P U RC H A S E S L I T T L E 1996
MULE AND MOVES PRODUCTION YALE INDUS TRIAL PRODUCT S
OF THE PRODUCT S TO WADESBORO, (PT Y) LTD. IS FORMED
N O R T H CARO L I N A . IN DURBAN , SOUTH AFRICA .

1991
C O LU M B U S M C K I N N O N R E C E I V E S I T S
1992
YALE ES TABLISHES IT S FIRS T
1996
C O LU M B U S M C K I N N O N C O R P O R AT I O N
F I R S T E X P O R T O R D E R F RO M TA I WA N . PL ANT IN HANGZHOU, C HINA . IT IS B E C O M E S A P U B L I C LY T R A D E D S TO C K
ORDERS FROM THROUGHOUT ASIA , NAMED HANGZHOU LILA LIFTING COMPANY UNDER THE TIC KER SYMBOL
E U RO P E , CAN A DA A N D S O U T H A N D L A S H I N G C O . , LT D . “ C M C O ” O N T H E N A S DAQ.
AMERICA WOULD SOON FOLLOW.

timothy tevens
Timothy T. Tevens first joined Columbus McKinnon as
Vice President of Information Services in 1991. Just five
years later, he was elected Chief Operating Officer. After
helping to guide Columbus McKinnon through a period
of rapid expansion, Tevens was elected President and
Chief Executive Officer in 1998. Thanks to his leadership,
Columbus McKinnon has experienced tremendous
international growth, particularly in China, Latin America
and Eastern Europe. He has also helped strengthen the
company’s position in a variety of markets, including oil
and gas, automotive, power generation, heavy manufacturing,
mining, construction and entertainment. Outside of Columbus
McKinnon, Tim is deeply committed to serving local charities
and non-profit organizations.
72
 1998
L I F T-T E C H I N T E R N AT I O N A L
INTRODUCES NEW
SHAW - BOX END TRUC KS.

YALE INDUS TRIAL PRODUCT S ASIA

1997 1998
C O LU M B U S M C K I N N O N AC Q U I R E S I T S
( T H A I L A N D ) C O . , LT D . I S E S TA B L I S H E D . F I R S T M A N U FAC T U R I N G FAC I L I T I E S
MEANWHILE, YALE INDUS TRIAL PRODUCT S I N C H I N A W I T H T H E P U RC H A S E O F
LTD., U.K. ACQUIRES S TEERMAN YALE INDUS TRIAL PRODUCT S. THE
E N G I N E E R I N G LT D . , U . K . P L A N T S I N C LU D E YA L E ( H A N G Z H O U )
I N D U S T R I A L P RO D U C T S C O . , LT D .
AND HANGZHOU LILA LIFTING AND
L A S H I N G C O . , LT D .

1998
D E E W E L D , LT D . C H A N G E S
IT S NAME TO CAMLOK
L I F T I N G C L A M P S LT D .
C O LU M B U S M C K I N N O N
P U RC H A S E S T H E C O M PA N Y
A YEAR L ATER.

73
 2000-2015
More Connected
Than Ever

in an increasingly digital world, 

Columbus McKinnon remains on the leading edge.

74
75
 2000
C O LU M B U S M C K I N N O N I N T RO D U C E S broadband internet. social media . mobile devices. Never before
LO D E R A I L — A L I N E O F F R E E S TA N D I N G
AND CEILING-MOUNTED WORKS TATION
BRIDGE CRANES AND MONORAILS.
has communication been so immediate and free flowing. The digital evolution has
sparked cultural and even political revolutions. While the world faces new and serious
challenges, forward-thinking individuals and businesses are answering the call
to advance society—today, and for generations to come.

At Columbus McKinnon, we’re dedicated to staying on the forefront of emerging

technologies that impact our Channel Partners and end users. Our products and
solutions are relied on to improve industrial and public safety, to harness alternative
energies that will help reduce environmental impact and to enhance productivity
across the globe.

No one knows exactly what the next 140 years will bring, but you can be sure
Columbus McKinnon will forge ahead with the same ingenuity and resolve that
has led us to where we are today.

76
 2001
C O LU M B U S M C K I N N O N C O N S O L I DAT E S
L I S T E R FORG I N G O P E R AT I O N S
WITH DIXIE INDUS TRIES IN
2003
C O LU M B U S M C K I N N O N
C HATTAN O O G A , T E N N E S S E E . H O N G KON G I S E S TA B L I S H E D .

2001
C O LU M B U S M C K I N N O N B E G I N S
2003
YALE INDUS TRIAL
OPERATIONS IN SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL. PRODUCT S KFT. IS FORMED
I N S Z E K É S F E H É RVÁ R , H U N G ARY.

2001
PFAFF -SILBERBL AU ACQUIRES ALLTEC
ANTRIEBS TEC HNIK IN HEILBRONN ,
G E R M A N Y S T R E N G T H E N I N G T H E C O M PA N Y ’ S
I N VO LV E M E N T I N L I N E A R T E C H N O LO GY.

2001
THE YALE GLOBAL KING AND
SHAW -BOX WORLD SERIES ARE
I N T RO D U C E D A N D Q U I C K LY B E C O M E
THE FL AGSHIP WIRE ROPE HOIS T S IN
T H E C O LU M B U S M C K I N N O N P O R T FO L I O .

2001
YALE ELÉVACION IBÉRICA S.L.
OPENS T WO FACILITIES: ONE IN SEVILL A
A N D A N O T H E R I N A C O RU Ñ A , S PA I N .

77
 2004
columbus mckinnon develops the

cm l i b e r at o r ®   to process tires by removing steel

wires and shredding the rubber into pieces smaller

than one inch. Rubber material from this machine can 2004
THE COFFING JL RECEIVES A
MAJOR OVERHAUL AND BECOMES
TODAY’S WELL -KNOWN JLC HOIS T.
be used for playgrounds, in rubber applications and as
2005
TO HELP CUS TOMERS BETTER MANAGE
T H E I R R I G G I N G I N V E N T O RY, C O LU M B U S M C K I N N O N
D E V E LO P S A L I N E O F D UA L - R AT E D R I G G I N G
PRODUCT S FOR USE WITH BOTH GRADE 80 AND
GRADE 100 C HAIN AND ATTAC HMENT S.

crumb rubber feed stock. The wire derived from the

tires is recovered and sold to the steel industry.

78
 2007
C O LU M B U S M C K I N N O N I TA L I A S . R . L .
I S E S TA B L I S H E D I N L E G N A N O , I TA LY.

S TAHLHAMMER BOMMERN IS PURC HASED

2006 2007
D U F F - N O R T O N I N T RO D U C E S
BY DIRK, HENDRIK AND THOMAS BRANDIS. THE G-SERIES METRIC
T H E C O M PA N Y ’ S N A M E I S C H A N G E D T O ACTUATOR PRODUCT LINE.
S TAHLHAMMER BOMMERN GMBH (S TB).

79
 2008
m or e than 200 cm lodestar and showpro

2008
D U F F - N O R T O N AG R E E S T O A PAR T N E R S H I P
electric chain hoists are used at venues for
WITH TIMOTION TO INTRODUCE A
C O M M E RC I A L AC T UATO R P RO D U C T L I N E .
the 2008 Beijing Olympics. CM electric chain hoists

2008
C O LU M B U S M C K I N N O N L AU N C H E S
suspend the truss system at the Beijing National
THE MODEL CPV ELECTRIC C HAIN
HOIS T. IT IS THE EUROPEAN
C O U N T E R PA R T T O T H E C O M PA N Y ' S
Stadium, site of the track and field competition.
I C O N I C C M LO D E S TA R H O I S T. T WO
YEARS L ATER, THE CPV MAKES IT S
DEBUT IN THE ASIA -PACIFIC MARKET.
Our hoists are also used to support the traveling
2008
YA L E L I F T I N G S O LU T I O N S I N camera rail system at the National Aquatics Center.
SOUTH AFRICA INTRODUCES THE
R E VO LU T I O N A RY YA L E LOC O JAC K.

80
 2009
THE INDOOR SPORTS ARENA LEIPZIG IN
GERMANY USES APPROXIMATELY 70 WORM
G E A R S C R E W JAC KS , A P P LY I N G AC T UATO R
TEC HNOLOGY FROM PFAFF, TO ENSURE
OPTIMAL CONDITIONS IN THE TURNS OF
I T S OVA L RU N N I N G T R AC K.

2009
A HIGHLY SENSITIVE RADIO
TELESCOPE IN HAWAII IS MOUNTED TO
A SYS T E M O F S I X H I G H - P E R FO R M A N C E
WORM GEAR SCREW JAC KS FROM
C O LU M B U S M C K I N N O N ’ S P FA F F
BUSINESS. THE WORM GEAR SCREW
JAC KS ARE USED TO PRECISELY
POSITION THE TELESCOPE TO
M E A S U R E C O S M I C M I C ROWAV E S .

Year Company Acquired Allows Columbus McKinnon to:

2008 Pfaff Beteiligungs Gmbh (Pfaff-silberblau) Enhance its position in the European market and gain technical engineering expertise.
2011 Yale Lifting Solutions (Pty) Ltd. Expand presence in South Africa.
2014 Unified Industries Complement its hoist portfolio with workstation cranes and light rail lifting systems.
2015 Stahlhammer Bommern (STB) Extend its rigging product portfolio to include heavy-duty crane hooks.

81
 2010
DURING SUPER BOWL XXXVIII AT RELIANT S TADIUM
IN HOUS TON , TEXAS, CM LODES TAR HOIS T S ARE
UTILIZED TO POSITION THE SPECIAL LIGHTING.

2010
C O LU M B U S M C K I N N O N RU S S I A L LC
IS FORMED IN S T. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA.

2010
YA L E L I F T I N G S O LU T I O N S O P E N S I T S N E W
SA L E S , T E S T I N G A N D S E RV I C E C E N T E R
IN MAG ALIESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA .

2010
TA I P E I R A P I D T R A N S I T C O R P O R AT I O N I N
TAIWAN USES A 1 50-TON-CAPACIT Y,
E A R T H Q UA K E - R E S I S TA N T, U N D E R - F LO O R
L I F T I N G SYS T E M W I T H T U R N TA B L E S F RO M
PFAFF -SILBERBL AU TO LIFT IT S TRAINS
FO R M A I N T E N A N C E .

82
 2011
t he next gener ati on of the i coni c

2011
C O LU M B U S M C K I N N O N O P E N S E I G H T cm lodestar electric chain hoist is
O F F I C E S I N C H I N A LOCAT E D I N S H A N G H A I ,
B E I J I N G , H A N G Z H O U , S H E N YA N G , W U H A N ,
C H E N G D U , G UA N G Z H O U A N D X I ’A N .
intr oduced,  equipped with a variety of new

PFAFF -SILBERBL AU HEBEZEUGFABRIK AND

2011 features. The redesigned hoist is engineered for
ALLTEC ANTRIEBS TEC HNIK MERGE UNDER
T H E N E W N A M E O F C O LU M B U S M C K I N N O N
E N G I N E E R E D P RO D U C T S . T H I S SA M E Y E A R , YA L E
quieter operation, easier maintenance, enhanced
I N D U S T R I A L P RO D U C T S I N V E L B E R T, G E R M A N Y,
C H A N G E S I T S N A M E T O C O LU M B U S M C K I N N O N
INDUS TRIAL PRODUCT S (CMIP).
safety and higher duty cycles. In 2015, Columbus
2011
S TAHLHAMMER BOMMERN CELEBRATES McKinnon will introduce the highly anticipated
IT S 100TH ANNIVERSARY.

UNIFIED INDUS TRIES INTRODUCES AIR

2011 two-ton, single-reeved version of the CM Lodestar.
TRACTOR DRIVES FOR ENCLOSED TRAC K
ALUMINUM AND S TEEL RAIL PROFILES.

83
 2011
C O LU M B U S M C K I N N O N D E V E LO P S T H E
CM HURRICANE 360° HAND C HAIN HOIS T.
DESIGNED FOR MAXIMUM VERSATILIT Y,
THE CM HURRICANE 360° FEATURES
A PAT E N T E D H A N D C H A I N C OV E R T H AT
ROTAT E S 3 6 0 D E G R E E S , A L LOW I N G
OPERATORS TO SAFELY LIFT LOADS
F RO M V I R T UA L LY A N Y A N G L E .

2011
C O LU M B U S M C K I N N O N E X E C U T I V E S
AND MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS RING THE OPENING BELL
O N T H E N A S DAQ T R A D I N G F LO O R
IN NEW YORK CIT Y.

84
 2012
C O LU M B U S M C K I N N O N FO R M S K A L D I R M A E K I P M A N L A R I
SAN AY I V E T I CA R E T L I M I T E D S I R K E T I I N I S TA N B U L ,
T U R K E Y, A S W E L L A S C O LU M B U S M C K I N N O N I N D U S T R I A L
PRODUCT S ME FZE IN DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES.

2012
YA L E L I F T I N G S O LU T I O N S
I N T RO D U C E S T H E YA L E R E - R A I L I N G
D E V I C E FO R SA F E R R E - R A I L I N G O F
LOCOMOTIVES UNDERGROUND.

2012
C O LU M B U S M C K I N N O N B R I N G GSS TTHE
HE
SIXTH WHEEL RATC HET TO MARKET. ARKET.
IT S PATENTED DESIGN ALLOWS WS USERS
TO RAISE AND LOWER TRACTOR OR TRAILER
L A N D I N G G E A R U S I N G A N E RG GON
ONO OMICALLY
M I CA L LY
C O R R E C T P O S I T I O N , H E L P I N G TTO
O REDUC
REDUCE
T H E C H A N C E O F I N J U RY.

2012
C O LU M B U S M C K I N N O N B E G I N S
M A N U FAC T U R I N G LO D E K I N G W I R E
ROPE HOIS T S WITH CAPACITIES
UP TO 60 TONS.

“Our company's longevity is a testament to the

dedication of our Associates around the world.”
— T I M O T H Y T E V E N S , P R E S I D E N T A N D C E O

85
86
 2013
D E S I G N E D T O F I T V I R T UA L LY
A L L C O LU M B U S M C K I N N O N
ELECTRIC AND AIR C HAIN
HOIS T S, THE CM UNIVERSAL
TROLLEY ENTERS THE MARKET.
THE INITIAL OFFERING
2014
C O LU M B U S M C K I N N O N S E T S
I N C LU D E S P L A I N A N D G E A R E D UP T WO NEW SALES OFFICES:
MODEL S, WITH MOTORIZED ONE IN SINGAPORE AND THE
UNIT S TO FOLLOW IN 201 5. OTHER IN PUNE, INDIA .

2013
D U F F - N O R T O N PA R T N E R S
2014
C O LU M B U S M C K I N N O N
2015
C O LU M B U S M C K I N N O N E X PA N D S
WITH PFAFF TO INTRODUCE INTRODUCES CM® S M A R T I D™ ITS EXTENSIVE RIGGING OFFERING
THE CML A ACTUATOR R A D I O F R E Q U E N C Y I D E N T I F I CAT I O N TO INCLUDE A NEW LINE OF
PRODUCT LINE. TEC HNOLOGY ON IT S CM BANDIT CM HEAVY-DUT Y CRANE HOOKS
HOIS T AND SELECT SHAC KLES. WITH THE ACQUISITION OF

2013
THE CM BANDIT MAKES 2014
S TAHLHAMMER BOMMERN .

IT S DEBUT AS THE WORLD’S C O LU M B U S M C K I N N O N

FIRST HMI-CERTIFIED C O M P L E T E S A M A J O R E X PA N S I O N
RATC HET LEVER HOIS T. A N D R E N OVAT I O N O F I T S T WO
M A N U FAC T U R I N G FAC I L I T I E S I N
HANGZHOU, CHINA, POSITIONING
T H E C O M PA N Y FO R F U R T H E R
G ROW TH IN THE ASIAN MARKET.

87
Our Family
of Brands
from
fr
r o m cm
c m and
a nd coffing
coffi ng
g hoists
hoi sts to end
endor
or an
andd

p ffa
a fff-
f- silb er blau,  Collumbus McKinnon’s family
blau, Columbus

off brands
braands represents quality,
qualityy, performance and innovatio
innovation
on

to
o customers
cusstomers around the wo
orld.
world.
TM

89
Our Global
Presence
columbus
c o lu
u mbus mcki
mckinnon's
nnon' s r
rich
ich history
h i story an
andd

d e di
d iic
cati
at ion
on t
too innova
i nnovati on   combine to ensure o
a ti on  our
ur

place
pl
lace as the preeminent glob
global
bal material handling leader
leader.
r.

With world-class sales, manufacturing

With man
nufacturing and warehouse

facilities
fa
acilitties in more than 20 countries,
co
ountries, we are uniquely

positioned in all corners of the map to ensure our products

and services are available to our customers anytime, anywhere

around the world.

 Hendrik Ido Ambacht, Netherlands

Wuppertal, Germany
Chester, UK
Cobourg, Ontario Hamm, Germany
Prenton, UK Kissing, Germany
Newtownabbey, N. Ireland
Chengdu, China
Edmonton, Alberta Carlow, Ireland
Xi’an, China
St. Petersburg, Russia
Wuhan, China
Amherst, New York
Tonawanda, New York Beijing, China
Howell, Michigan
Plewiska, Poland Shanghai, China
Romeny-sur-marne, France Pfaffstatten, Austria
Woodridge, Illinois Shenyang, China
Vierzon, France
Rock Island, Illinois Salem, Ohio
Eureka, Illinois Buchs, Switzerland
Lisbon, Ohio Istanbul, Turkey
Damascus, Virginia Cerro Maggiore, Italy
Santa Fe Springs, California
Wadesboro, North Carolina
Houston, Texas Charlotte, North Carolina Hangzhou, China
Sarasota, Florida Sevilla, Spain Hangzhou, China
Mableton, Georgia Szekesfehervar, Hungary
Chattanooga, Tennessee Budapest, Hungary
Apodaca N.L., Mexico Mountain City, Tennessee Guangzhou, China
Santiago Tianguistenco, Mexico Lexington, Tennessee Miskolc, Hungary
Mexico City, Mexico Dubai, U.A.E.
Villahermosa, Mexico Singapore, Singapore
Pune, India
Bangkok, Thailand
Panama City, Panama

Recife, Brazil Pretoria, South Africa

Sao Paulo, Brazil
Magaliesburg, South Africa

Montevideo, Uruguay Johannesburg, South Africa

Durban, South Africa

91
 w e ’ d li k e t o t h a n k ou r m a n y a ssoc iat e s ar ound the wor ld —

especially Christie Lagowski and Brian Benzin — for contributing to the development of

this 140th anniversary book. Never before has Columbus McKinnon’s global history been documented

in a single story. Despite the challenges of our long, intricate lineage, great efforts were made to ensure

the information presented is as accurate as possible. Some images may not be exact representations

of their associated milestones and are solely intended to represent related company or product

highlights, both past and future.

This book is by no means our complete history. As a company, we are always eager to learn more about

our diverse roots and add to our legacy. We invite our Associates, Distributors and End Users to continue

to contribute their knowledge and historical information on our products and brands.

photo acknowledgments
4 | workman on the framework of the empire state building.  Courtesy of National Archives and Records Administration, ARC 518290. || 5 | statue of liberty. Courtesy of New York Public
Library | thomas edison, c. 1918-1919 . Courtesy of National Archives and Records Administration, Record Group 306, Records of the U.S. Information Agency (306-NT-279T-20). || 14 | panama canal under
construction, 1907 . Courtesy of Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs, cph.3c17221. || 15 | wright brothers’ 1903 aeroplane (“kitty hawk”) in first flight, december 17, 1903 .
Courtesy of National Archives at College Park, ARC 7580929 | thomas roosevelt laughing. Courtesy of Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs, LC-USZ62-2305. || 17 | great cranes in miraflores
lock, 1912 . Courtesy of Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs, LC-USZ62-138618. || 24 | hello! this is liberty speaking. Courtesy of Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs, LC-USZC4-8046. ||
25 | charles lindbergh, with spirit of st. louis in background. Courtesy of Library Congress, Prints and Photographs, cph.3a23920. || 35 | work pays america ! prosperity. Courtesy of
Library of Congress, Work Projects Administration Poster Collection, LC-USZC2-837. || 49 | the uss arizona (bb- 39 ) burning after the japanese attack on pearl harbor. Courtesy of National
Archives and Records Administration, ARC 195617. || 56 | ny world’s fair 1964 . Courtesy of PLCjr, Richmond, VA, USA. || 59 | apollo 11 . Courtesy of National Aeronautics and Space Administration. ||
64 | pillar of fire, space shuttle columbia. Courtesy of NASA/KSC.
© 2015 columbus mckinnon corporation. all rights reserved.