Columbus McKinnon Celebrates its 140th Anniversary

December 8, 2015 - Columbus McKinnon Corp. is celebrating its 140th anniversary as a designer, manufacturer, and marketer of material handling products, systems, and services. With origins dating back to 1875, the company’s history of innovation includes many significant advances in the material-handling industry.

 

These innovations include the invention of the revolutionary Weston Screw Load Brake; the first alloy chain; the Hammerlok, the first mechanical chain coupling link; the first worm gear actuator business; and the early development of the rack-and-pinion mechanical jack, according to the company. The CM Lodestar electric chain hoist was introduced in 1955 for demanding and challenging applications.

 

“Service, innovation, quality products and engineered solutions have been the foundation of Columbus McKinnon for the past 140 years and will propel us into the future,” said Tim Tevens, president and CEO. “As we celebrate our 140th anniversary, we look toward the future and the next 140 years of invention and growth.”

 

Most recently, Columbus McKinnon acquired Magnetek Inc., a designer and manufacturer of digital power and motion control solutions for material handling, elevators, and mining applications. Headquartered in Amherst, N.Y., Columbus McKinnon has approximately 3,000 employees in more than 70 sales, manufacturing, and warehousing facilities worldwide.