Pennsylvania Crane, Hoist, and Rigging Company (PA Crane Co.) has completed the installation of a ceiling-mounted overhead workstation crane at Omega Flex’s main facility in Exton, Pennsylvania.
The KBK crane, supplied by Demag Cranes & Components, was introduced to support the handling of larger-diameter pipes required for the company’s corrugation process.
Omega Flex, which manufactures flexible metal hose and piping products, identified the need to upgrade its material handling equipment as production shifted to longer and heavier industrial pipes ranging from 6in to 16in in diameter.
Company engineering manager Brian Breitinger and his team collaborated with PA Crane Co. to choose a solution that can accommodate increased loads without interrupting workflow.
The Exton site had several cranes in operation, but the introduction of larger products meant additional equipment was necessary.
The installation presented engineering challenges due to the facility’s complex roof structure, including steel supports with a compound pitch in two directions.
The engineering and installation teams opted for a ceiling-mounted system to maximise workspace and maintain floor availability.
The installed KBK crane provides a 100ft runway, divided across three bridges with 20ft spans and a 16ft lifting height. Each bridge is equipped with a two-speed, 500lb.
The system uses Demag DC-Com electric chain hoists, selected for their suitability in handling the specific requirements of the site.
Adjustable articulating hangers allowed the bridges to align with the facility’s sloped roof during installation, with representatives from Demag confirming that both the runway and bridge spans accommodated the building’s structural features.
PA Crane Co. reviewed several configurations before recommending the ceiling-mounted approach, which offered flexibility and preserved needed floor space.
The KBK system replaced previous equipment that did not provide sufficient manual bridge movement.
Omega Flex initially considered a motorised option, but after technical input from PA Crane Co.’s lead technician, George Hoagland, the company opted for a manual KBK system.
Hoagland said: “Demag’s KBK design engineer, Matthew Hoffman, was absolutely integral to making this solution possible with his hard work and efforts.”
The crane installation reached operational status in December 2025, bringing the number of PA Crane Co. installations at Omega Flex to five.
Omega Flex plans further expansion, including additional crane installations at its facility in Houston, Texas.
