Clark Grave Vault Improves Throughput and Ergonomics with Airolift Vacuum Lifting
Safer Handling. Faster Production. Proven for Over a Decade.
Customer: Clark Grave Vault Co.
Integrator: Handling Concepts
Technology: Airolift ergonomic lifting system
The Challenge: Fatigue, Strain, and Throughput Limits
For more than a century, Clark Grave Vault has supported the funeral industry with high-quality burial vault products. At their Columbus headquarters, operations focus on the fabrication and finishing of steel vaults, which must be lifted, rotated, and precisely positioned throughout production.
Originally, vault bases were loaded onto the finishing line manually, requiring two operators to handle each part. The company later implemented an air-assisted chain lift with a custom attachment that allowed a single operator to upright each base from a horizontal position.
While this reduced manpower requirements, the process still created operator fatigue and ergonomic strain. As production demands increased, the limitations of the system became more apparent.
Key challenges included:
- Operator fatigue over the course of the shift
- Repetitive strain and injury exposure
- Inconsistent handling and positioning
- Limited efficiency improvements from traditional lifting equipment
Clark Grave Vault needed a safer, more ergonomic solution that would improve production efficiency without the cost and complexity of robotic automation.
The Solution: Ergonomic Single-Operator Lift Control
After seeing a demonstration at the Ohio Safety Congress, Clark Grave Vault partnered with Handling Concepts to implement an Airolift vacuum lifting system engineered specifically to manipulate their steel vault bases from horizontal to vertical orientation.
The system allows a single operator to safely lift, rotate, and precisely place each base with minimal physical effort.
What Made It Different
- True ergonomic lifting – not just assisted lifting
- Controlled rotation and positioning
- Smooth, predictable movement
- Durability suited for an industrial environment
- Single-operator handling
Implementation: Fast Adoption with Minimal Disruption
Handling Concepts worked closely with the Clark team to align the lift-assist workflow with existing finishing operations and daily production cadence.
- Integrated into existing line processes without major workflow redesign
- Rapid operator adoption due to intuitive controls and smooth handling
- Long-term serviceability with routine maintenance and minor wear-part replacement
The Results: Safer Operations and Higher Throughput
Measurable Impact
15-20% productivity increase
Real Customer Feedback
“The installation made our operation safer, more efficient, and faster. The equipment has proven extremely sturdy and reliable with very little downtime.”
Immediate Improvements
- Safer handling process
- Reduced operator fatigue
- Improved ergonomics
- More consistent placement
- Single-operator operation
Long-Term Reliability
Over 10 years in service with only routine maintenance and minor wear components replaced.
Expanded Capabilities
Because of its versatility and ease of use, the system is now used to handle additional components that previously could not be moved efficiently.
Video Demonstration
Why It Matters
Many manufacturers attempt to solve ergonomic handling challenges with labor-intensive processes or basic lifting devices. Clark Grave Vault instead implemented a purpose-built ergonomic lifting solution that delivered measurable results.
The Airolift system helped:
- Reduce operator strain
- Improve throughput
- Increase consistency
- Enhance workplace safety
- Provide long-term reliability
Ready to Improve Your Handling Process?
Handling Concepts designs and integrates custom ergonomic lifting systems that eliminate strain while increasing productivity – often without the need for robotics.
