Pennsylvania College of Technology (Penn College), a public university in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, has enhanced its welding facility with the addition of a new crane system, supported by contributions from two companies.
The system, installed in the over 55,000ft2 facility, was made possible by Spanco and KAM Industrial Services.
Spanco, headquartered in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, has been a key player in the overhead crane industry since 1979.
The company generously donated the crane system and covered shipping costs, with a total value exceeding $40,000.
Spanco is known for its comprehensive range of steel and aluminium workstation bridge, jib, and gantry cranes, along with its customised solutions tailored to specific client needs. The company operates a secondary manufacturing facility in Las Vegas, Nevada.
KAM Industrial Services, based in Central Pennsylvania, contributed by covering the installation costs valued at over $20,000. This veteran-owned company specialises in overhead crane and fall protection services, offering a variety of services including OSHA compliance inspections, repairs, and custom solutions.
The addition of this equipment aims to bridge the skills gap identified by industry professionals.
Pennsylvania College of Technology senior corporate relations officer Shanin Dougherty, in a LinkedIn post, said: “We are very grateful to Spanco/Promise to Perform Industries and KAM Industrial Services for their support of our welding program and students.
“The overhead crane system, made possible by both companies, is a welcome addition to our state-of-the-art welding facility and will enhance the students’ education.”
The installation includes a ceiling-mounted workstation crane, a 1-ton Workmate hoist, tractor drives, and a wireless pendant control system. These features provide students with hands-on experience moving materials safely and efficiently in environments akin to real-world fabrication settings.
Spanco operations executive vice president Shawn Trexler said: “Historically, when hiring students, we’ve found they often lack experience operating cranes and hoists.
“This donation helps bridge that gap, preparing students for the demands of modern fabrication and welding facilities.”
