In today’s industrial environments, no two lifting challenges are exactly the same. That’s because lifting isn’t just about power—it’s about precision, adaptability, and smart engineering.
At MMI Hoist Services, we aren’t just a crane builder. We’re a strategic lifting partner committed to helping our clients solve complex operational challenges through tailored solutions that fit their specific needs.
When your operation demands more than “off-the-shelf” equipment, MMI offers a dual advantage, combining our customization capabilities with our access to leading hoist and crane brands to tailor-make highly effective solutions.
1. The Growing Need for Custom Crane Design
Increasingly, standard lifting solutions fall short in their attempts to meet the demands of modern industries, especially in complex or unique environments.
Industries like manufacturing, steel processing, mining, and logistics all present unique environmental and spatial challenges. From tight clearances and odd building layouts to extreme weight capacities and stringent safety requirements, these jobs require more than just lifting power—they require precision-engineered solutions.
Custom crane systems go beyond “getting the job done.” They also:
- Enhance productivity and streamline operations
- Reduce long-term costs with improved integration
- Improve safety to keep up with regulatory compliance and operational standards
- Extend equipment lifespan through optimal component pairing
2. MMI’s Dual Advantage: Custom Fabrication and Premium Brand Access
MMI’s ability to deliver customized solutions is the result of a powerful combination: in-house engineering and fabrication paired with access to the very best crane and hoist manufacturers.
MMI is an authorized distributor of top-tier crane and hoist manufacturers, including:
- R&M Material Handling
- Demag Cranes & Components
- Columbus McKinnon
- Gorbel
- Spanco
- Harrington
- ACCO Material Handling Solutions
- Harrington Hoists & Cranes
- Detroit Hoist
- Thern Industrial Products
These partnerships allow MMI to match top-tier components with precisely engineered structures that are designed to meet the client’s space, load, and functionality requirements.
This means that no matter what the solution requires, MMI can create a system that is high-performance, purpose-built, and extremely effective.
3. MMI’s Process: From Problem to Precision Solution
Like our custom crane, our process is designed for success. Our project flow allows us to gain necessary insight into the problem, and then apply our own expertise to craft an ideal solution.
- Step 1: Consultation
- Our process begins with a comprehensive site visit or virtual discovery to assess the client’s operational flow, spatial limitations, safety needs, and long-term goals.
- Step 2: Design & Engineering
- Our engineering teams create a system tailored to fit space limitations, meet load requirements, and accommodate environmental conditions, all while remaining fully compliant with OSHA and CMAA standards.
- Step 3: Component Integration
- We strategically select and integrate brand-name hoists, trolleys, controls, and drive systems, keeping peak performance and seamless operation in mind.
- Step 4: Fabrication & Installation
- We custom-build a system that is installed and tested on-site by experienced MMI technicians.
4. What Makes MMI Custom Cranes Stand Out
MMI’s solutions are known for their flexibility and longevity. Our key differentiators include:
- Custom spans, lift heights, and speeds
- Tailored control systems, including specialty options like radio control, variable frequency drives, and automated positioning
- Builds that can withstand harsh environments (outdoors, high heat, high moisture, etc.)
- The ability to retrofit or integrate with existing equipment
- Service-minded designs built for long-term durability and easy maintenance
Overall, every custom project we complete is done with the end goal of creating a solution that suits exact operational requirements and conditions.
5. Real-World Applications
Here are a few examples of how MMI’s custom crane systems helped our clients solve real-world challenges:
- Low clearance, high capacity: A manufacturing facility had low clearance ceiling heights but needed a high-capacity system. We designed a low-profile crane that used compact hoist gear from a trusted brand to deliver power even with the height restriction.
- Extreme weather: For a client needing a crane to operate in extreme outdoor temperatures, MMI created a weather-resistant system with sealed components.
- Tight schedule, zero downtime: MMI planned around client schedules to coordinate delivery and installation with minimal disruption.
6. Beyond the Build: MMI’s Full Lifecycle Support
At MMI, our commitment to excellence doesn’t end once the crane is installed. We offer:
- Preventative maintenance plans to keep equipment operating optimally
- Annual inspections to ensure compliance
- System upgrades and retrofits, allowing for continual improvement to meet evolving needs
- Responsive service to answer questions and address problems promptly
Our clients have come to trust MMI not just as a one-off installer, but as a long-term support team they can rely on.
7. Why Clients Choose MMI
At the end of the day, MMI Hoist Services stands apart because of our:
- Decades of experience across industrial sectors
- Strategic, solutions-based approach to solving complex lifting problems
- Reputation of smart designs
- Partnerships with elite equipment manufacturers
- A proven track record of safety, reliability, and long-term client satisfaction
Have a complex lifting challenge? Let’s work together to design a solution that works. Contact MMI Hoist Services today for a custom crane consultation.