Welcome to the Summer 2025 edition of Overhead Crane & Hoist. I am thrilled to be writing to you for the first time as the new editor. It is a true privilege t o step into a role that helps spotlight the people, t echnologies and companies driving innovation across the crane, hoist and mat erial handling industry. Whether you are in the field, in the shop or the boar droom, this magazine highlights the innovations and tr ends shaping the future of overhead lifting.
In our featured interview on page 34, we hear from CraneTech CEO Eric Factor, who has – along with CFO Austin King – rapidly transformed the company into a nationwide powerhouse. But this is not your typical acquisition story. CraneTech’s people-first philosophy prioritises technician talent, cultural fit and long-term safety over fast profit or private equity playbooks. With a firm reinvestment model, grassroots acquisitions and a technician-led culture, Factor’s vision is redefining what growth and leadership look like in the crane industry.
We also dive into Tennessee’s construction-fuelled boom on page 26. Backed by strong state investment – including in nuclear, infrastructure and residential development – the Volunteer State is emerging as a crane and hoist hotspot. From blue-chip warehousing expansions and federally supported water projects to grassroots inhouse training and family-owned manufacturers filling key gaps, the state is rich with opportunity for lifting equipment providers of all sizes. As consolidation reshapes the industry, Tennessee’s adaptive, diversified crane ecosystem shows why local firms are confident about the years ahead.
In this issue, we also hear from attendees fresh off the record-breaking ProMat 2025, on page 20. With more than 52,000 attendees, ProMat highlighted the accelerating convergence of robotics, AI and smart automation in the material handling space. From lightweight davit cranes to intelligent lifting systems with IoT integration, the show reinforced that the lifting sector is innovating rapidly – and that collaboration, adaptability and a future-focused mindset are key to success.
Whether you are a crane builder, operator, engineer or end-user, I hope you find inspiration and practical insight in this edition of Overhead Crane & Hoist.
