End users of lifting and moving technologies across North America’s industrial and manufacturing sectors will benefit from a range of case studies highlighting the advantages of choosing overhead lifting equipment for the material handling demands of their production processes.

The case studies have been produced by the Overhead Alliance to promote the benefits of the overhead lifting solutions of three related industry groups of MHI (Material Handling Industry). These groups are the Hoist Manufacturers Institute (HMI), Monorail Manufacturers Association (MMA), and the Crane Manufacturers Association of America (CMAA). All three groups have become increasingly conscious that the information they produce is vital to end users and the Overhead Alliance serves as a vehicle that promotes that to industry through a variety of outreach campaigns.

HMI members are the industry’s leading suppliers of hoisting equipment including hand chain hoists, ratchet lever hoists, trolleys, air chain hoists, air wire rope hoists, electric chain hoists, and electric wire hoists for the manufacturing and distribution sectors; MMA members produce the preponderance of patented and enclosed track underhung cranes and monorail systems; and CMAA members represent the industry leaders in the overhead crane industry.

The products of their member companies represent a huge range of material handling solutions with benefits including a reduction of lifting related accidents; an overall improvement in workplace health and safety; less product damage; improved workflow; lower costs; and less impact on the environment.

Rob Beightol, the chairperson of the Overhead Alliance’s marketing group, said: “Many times, users may not necessarily be considering overhead lifting as the primary solution to their particular problem. They may be trying to ‘force’ an alternative product into action, but it may not be close to what is needed to do the job right. Case studies showcase the many ways that overhead lifting can solve issues at the user level. Once a user comes across a case study in their industry or close to the application that they are trying to address, they gain an understanding of the overall diversity of overhead lifting products.”

The Overhead Alliance was formed in 2008 and will continue to inform and educate North America’s end users throughout 2015 with this range of case studies covering material handling in steel, aerospace, foundries and many more applications. The case study campaign will focus more on products and solutions than the brands behind them.

Beightol explained: “The campaign is more about awareness. If the user sees the capabilities of the technology, then many times he or she will reach out to member companies for additional information. It is the job of the Overhead Alliance to keep the ‘solutions’ in front of the users, so that they take the next step in their search for systems or products that meet their needs.”

He added that all member companies have micro-sites on the MHI website that users will visit once they are closing in on a solution for their particular application. “The many vehicles of the Overhead Alliance are aimed at promoting the technology of the industry. From there, a user or prospect visits the MHI website for more particulars. Finally, they click through to a members’ website and ideally find a match that satisfies their requirements,” he said.

Other Overhead Alliance projects include a brochure touting the benefits of overhead lifting, two illustrated videos, an initial version of an online learning game, and numerous tip sheets for use on the OSHA website. For more information visit OverheadAlliance.org.

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