What types of material handling equipment do you offer?

We design and integrate workstation crane systems, ergonomic lifting equipment, conveyors, fall protection systems, automotive workstations, and roll-out racks.

Do you customize solutions?

Yes. All products can be engineered or modified to fit load capacity, reach, ceiling height, and ergonomic requirements.

Where do you operate?

We serve customers throughout Ohio, including Columbus, Cleveland, Toledo, Akron, and Dayton—excluding Cincinnati.

How can I start a project?

Request a free site assessment. Our team reviews your application and provides a quote with design and installation timeline.

Case Study: Improving Efficiency, Operator Safety, and Reducing Part Damage at Seco Machine with Overhead Bridge Cranes and Axle Lifters

Introduction

Seco Machine, a leading manufacturer in the rail, automotive and industrial sector, faced significant challenges in material handling. Their axle manufacturing process required precise handling of heavy train axles, which were prone to damage during transportation. Additionally, labor-intensive manual positioning and unsafe forklift rigging created bottlenecks in production, affecting overall efficiency. To address these issues, Seco Machine partnered with Handling Concepts, Inc. and AiroLift™ Ergonomic Lifting Systems. By integrating overhead bridge cranes from Handling Concepts and custom axle lifters from Airolift™, Seco Machine was able to drastically improve safety and operational efficiency while reducing part damage.

Challenges

Seco Machine’s previous material handling setup relied heavily on manual labor and precise forklift maneuvering, which not only introduced inefficiencies but also increased the risk of operator injury and part damage. Moving large, heavy components, particularly axles, was difficult, requiring significant time and effort to position them precisely during machining and repair. The following challenges were identified:

Worker Safety: Employees were at risk of injury when moving large parts, leading to potential safety violations and workplace accidents.
Risk of Damage: Manual handling of heavy parts often led to scratches, dents, or even structural damage, particularly to sensitive or finely engineered components like axles.
Increased Downtime: The reliance on manual lifting and positioning slowed down production, particularly during critical assembly and maintenance tasks.
Inefficient Workflow: The manual process created delays in part retrieval and positioning, impacting throughput and reducing overall productivity.

Solution: Overhead Bridge Cranes and Axle Lifters

Seco Machine sought to implement equipment that would streamline their material handling processes, reduce the risk of damage, and improve workplace safety. The solution came in the form of overhead workstation bridge cranes and axle lifters, provided by Handling Concepts, Inc. and Airolift™ Ergonomic Lifting Systems.

Overhead Bridge Cranes from Handling Concepts, Inc. and Axle Lifters from Airolift™

Handling Concepts, Inc. is a renowned provider of overhead bridge cranes designed to handle heavy and awkward loads with precision and safety. The installation of custom-designed overhead bridge crane systems at Seco Machine allowed them to move large components, including axles, with ease when paired with axle lifters from Airolift™.
Airolift™ Ergonomic Lifting Systems is a leader in providing specialized lifting solutions, including below-hook lifters that are designed for the unique challenges of handling large and heavy components like axles. Airolift’s products allowed Seco Machine to handle axles with even greater precision and care. The key features and benefits of the overhead cranes and axle lifters included:

Improved Load Precision: The overhead bridge cranes provided accurate positioning of components with minimal effort, reducing the risk of part damage during transport.
Increased Efficiency: By changing the lifting process and method, the cranes significantly sped up the handling of parts, reducing downtime and increasing the speed of production lines.
Enhanced Worker Safety: In implementing overhead cranes, Seco Machine was able eliminate the need for manual part adjustments and forklift rigging, reducing the risk of worker injuries related to these tasks.
Space Optimization: The overhead cranes maximized the available space in Seco Machine’s production area, allowing parts to be moved in a smaller work cell without interfering with other operations.

Results and Benefits

The integration of Handling Concepts’ overhead bridge cranes and Airolift’s axle lifters at Seco Machine resulted in significant improvements across several key performance indicators.

Reduction in Part Damage: With the combination of overhead cranes and specialized axle lifters, Seco Machine saw a notable reduction in part damage. Components that were previously susceptible to dents and scratches now arrived at their destinations in pristine condition.
Enhanced Efficiency: The overhead handling systems greatly reduced the time spent on moving and positioning parts. What previously took multiple workers and several minutes was now done by a single operator in a fraction of the time, leading to smoother workflows and faster production cycles.
Improved Worker Safety: By eliminating manual positioning and forklift lifting Seco Machine minimized the potential for accidents and worker safety improved significantly. Workers could focus on more value-added tasks without the physical strain of moving heavy axles or machinery parts.
Cost Savings: With the reduction in part damage and the improved operational efficiency, Seco Machine was able to reduce operational costs. Fewer damaged parts meant less waste and rework, contributing to significant cost savings.
Optimized Space and Flexibility: The overhead bridge cranes helped maximize the use of their floorspace, allowing Seco Machine to store and move components more efficiently within their facility. This flexibility also allowed for easier reconfiguration of the workspace as needed.

Testimonial

Mark Hiszem, Engineering Manager at Seco Machine, emphasized the impact of these solutions on the company’s growth and operational capabilities. He stated, “We couldn’t have grown the way we have or added the number of machines we have without these cranes. They allow us to minimize scrap and rework from forklift handling and keep a compact footprint in the plant.” Hiszem’s testimony reflects the crucial role that Handling Concepts’ overhead bridge cranes played in enabling Seco Machines to scale their operations and meet the increasing demand for their products.

Conclusion

By partnering with Handling Concepts, Inc. and Airolift™, Seco Machine was able to address critical challenges in their material handling processes. The integration of overhead bridge cranes and axle lifters significantly improved operational efficiency, reduced part damage, and enhanced worker safety. With these advanced solutions, Seco Machine is now able to maintain a higher level of productivity while ensuring the quality and safety of its products. The successful implementation of these systems demonstrates the power of modern industrial equipment in transforming manufacturing operations and improving bottom-line performance.

If you have any further questions or need assistance in selecting the right ergonomic lifting solution for your business, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Our experts are here to help you find the best fit for your specific needs.