A JOINT venture of Lift Systems and Rigging Gear Sales has acquired the assets of rival producer Riggers Manufacturing Company of Franksville, Wisconsin.
Riggers’ manufacturing operations will be relocated to East Moline, Illinois and the sales and after market service will operate in Dixon, Illinois.
The trademark name Riggers Manufacturing Company and all other trademarks, patents and designs were included in the assets. No liabilities were taken on.
Lift Systems said that the trademark name Riggers will be retained for the new company. The new venture, Riggers, will maintain the existing product lines, including the TriLifter and the new Quad 4 Lifter. All gantry models are electric powered, self-contained and self-propelled.
Gary Lorenz, CEO of Lift Systems, said: ‘The product lines are a very good fit with Lift Systems’ product lines. This gives customers of both companies a broader choice.’
Bruce Forster, president of Rigging Gear Sales, said: ‘We’ll be adding Riggers products to our rental-for-sale fleet.’
Lift Systems said that Riggers president David Pokraka, the vendor, would stay with the company to ‘assist the Dixon office with sales’. Leonard Hanson will focus on after market service and technical support.
Future plans include the launch of product recertifications, said Lift Systems president Lisa Janis. ‘We are planning on launching a programme similar to Lift Systems’ recertification programme which has been tremendously successful for many years and has received overwhelming positive customer response,’ Janis said. The recertification programme provides documentation for companies that now require proof of the equipment’s condition prior to starting work.
Gary Lorenz was previously a partner in Riggers Manufacturing with Ed Engler and Roger Johnston before breaking away in 1983 and establishing 4-Point Lift Systems in competition. Nearly 20 years later, together with Forster, he has taken back ownership.
