This is the thirteenth in a series of posts detailing 13 reasons why overhead lifting and handling technologies — specifically cranes, hoists, and monorails — can improve a manufacturing or distribution operation’s efficiency, productivity, safety, and sustainability. Read more in the free Overhead Alliance publication, “Expand Your Possibilities. Discover the Potential. Choose Overhead Lifting.”

Overhead handling equipment solutions — including cranes, monorails, workstation cranes, and hoists — offer multiple benefits for manufacturing and distribution operations. Because they come in an endless range of sizes and load capacities, not to mention a virtually unlimited assortment of customizable configurations, it can be challenging to pick the right solution. Therefore, when evaluating potential overhead handling systems for lifting, transporting, and positioning loads, turn to the members of MHI’s Overhead Alliance. With hundreds of years of collective experience engineering, installing, and commissioning these technologies worldwide, they are available to offer guidance on overhead handling system selection and safety best practices.

About The Overhead Alliance

The Overhead Alliance includes members of the Crane Manufacturers Association of America (CMAA), the Hoist Manufacturers Institute (HMI), and the Monorail Manufacturers Association (MMA). Collectively, the group provides a variety of resources to help in the decision-making process. These include case studies, free informational downloads, technical papers, online learning resources and Buyer’s Guides.

About CMAA

CMAA traces its roots to the Electric Overhead Crane Institute, known as EOCI. Founded by leading crane manufacturers in 1927, EOCI promoted the standardization of cranes as well as uniform quality and performance. It incorporated as the Crane Manufacturers Association of America, Inc. in 1955. Member companies represent overhead crane industry leaders. They serve the United States market from operations based in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

CMAA members design, manufacture, assemble, install and service overhead cranes and components. CMAA members have the combined experience of more than 30,000 crane installations in North America in the last decade. They are committed to providing products which focus on safety and innovation. The organization offers a variety of resources including buyers’ guides, engineering specifications, OSHA Alliance safety tip and fact sheets, inspection and maintenance checklists, safety seminars and more.

About HMI

HMI members represent the industry’s leading suppliers of hoisting equipment. Their product offerings include hand chain hoists, ratchet lever hoists, trolleys, air chain hoist, air wire rope hoists, electric chain hoists, and electric wire manufacturing and distribution. HMI has published multiple technical papers, including a Comparison of Hoist Duty Service Classifications, a comprehensive library of product guides a hoist certification program, and OSHA Alliance safety tip sheets, fact sheets and quick cards.

About MMA

MMA was founded in 1933. Its members produce the majority of patented and enclosed track underhung cranes and monorail systems utilized worldwide. They also represent manufacturers of workstation cranes. MMA members  are available to answer any questions about these types of overhead equipment. The group also offers a variety of resources, including a product certification program, recommended practices for workstation cranes and patented track systems, and more.

Want to learn how overhead handling systems can improve your operation’s safety and productivity? CMAA, HMI, and MMA maintain member and dealer networks. Both are available to answer questions and provide overhead lifting solutions for facilities located around the globe. Don’t hesitate to leverage this resource as you consider the advantages of this technology for your facility and processes. Download the free Overhead Alliance publication, “Expand Your Possibilities. Discover the Potential. Choose Overhead Lifting.”