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OZ Lifting Shows New Tele-Pro Davit Crane at ProMat

November 21, 2024

See OZ Lifting’s upgraded Tele-Pro davit crane at ProMat Booth S309.

OZ Lifting Products LLC will show its upgraded Tele-Pro davit crane — and other industrial lifting products — at ProMat, which takes place March 17-20 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. See OZ Lifting at Booth S309.

The Winona, Minnesota-based manufacturer is known for a wide range of davit cranes, but the relaunched Tele-Pro, available in 500 lb., 1,200 lb. and 2,500 lb. capacities, allows users to telescope the boom in and out under load. All lifting specifications, hook reach, and lifting heights remain the same — but several improvements have been made, which will be seen for the first time by ProMat attendees.

The U.S. Patented Tele-Pro, which will be the centerpiece of a 10 ft. by 20 ft. booth, now features smoother boom operation under load; enhanced maneuverability; clearer capacity limits; industrial, high-visibility powder coat; and simplified maintenance. These five features will be showcased during on-site demonstrations.

Inspired by cutting-edge technology and advanced testing, OZ Lifting engineers have developed a smoother, more consistent telescoping experience, even under load. This improvement allows operators to handle loads with reduced resistance and strain, streamlining tasks and enhancing safety on the job. A handle has also been added to the crane, allowing for more accurate load rotation and control with a full 360 degrees of maneuverability. This added control is crucial for operators needing to position loads with precision in tight or high-stakes environments.

A high-visibility yellow powder coat finish now replaces the previous zinc-plated coating, boosting both durability and corrosion resistance. Additionally, new dual rating decals displaying both imperial and metric load capacities at various boom angles ensure that operators can quickly verify load limits in real time. The addition of top and bottom grease zerk fittings simplifies the lubrication process, extending the crane’s lifespan and enhancing overall performance without adding operational downtime.

Also making ProMat debuts will be a wheel base that can be used with the full range of davit cranes up to 1,200 lbs. capacity; and wireless adapters for electric chain hoists and builder’s (wire rope) hoists. The manufacturer offers the electric chain hoist in 500 lbs, 1,000 lbs., 2,000 lbs., and 4,000 lbs. capacities; and the builder’s hoist in 500 lbs. and 1,000 lbs. capacities. Wireless adapters are available for all models, apart from the lightest electric chain hoist. There is also room on the booth for a full range of lever and chain hoists, including stainless-steel and spark-resistant models.

Steve Napieralski, president at OZ Lifting, said: “ProMat provides us an opportunity to better serve and understand these vast and complex industries and markets. We’re conscious that we are among a dwindling community of lifting equipment vendors at the show; we often hear that we are one of the only hoist or lifting equipment manufacturers present, which allows us to strengthen our brand awareness. We like to understand the users’ applications and struggles in the field, which helps with the new product development evident on our exhibit.”

Prior to ProMat, OZ Lifting will celebrate 20 years in business and is preparing to relocate into a state-of-the-art 40,000 square-foot facility. A new website is also going live soon.

Napieralski will be joined in Chicago by Richard Miller, sales manager; and Ashley Blum, marketing manager.

See OZ Lifting at ProMat Booth S309.

OZ Lifting Funds Police Dog Training Through Code Blue K9 Initiative

December 4, 2024 | International Lift & Hoist

 

OZ Lifting’s Steve and Jane Napieralski, either side of Trace Erickson, of Code Blue K9.

Oz Lifting Products LLC has committed to funding training for a new police dog every year through the Code Blue K9 program. The first one will be delivered to the City of New Hampton Police Department in Iowa next year.

The manufacturer of davit cranes and industrial lifting equipment is further supporting the initiative by allowing a dog trainer to use an out-building on the property of its new 40,000sqft facility. Trace Erickson, a former law enforcement officer, hopes to complete a 13-week training program twice annually in the Spring and Autumn.

The announcement chimes with 3 December’s #GivingTuesday, which is a global movement that reimagines a world built upon shared humanity and generosity. Falling on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, it provides an opportunity to highlight impactful initiatives and support meaningful causes  – just like the Oz Lifting and Code Blue K9 partnership.

Steve Napieralski, president at Oz Lifting, said, “I met Trace at our local YMCA. As he told me, there are many police departments that would love to have a dog on staff but can’t afford the upfront cost. My wife, Jane, and I felt this is a way to give back to a community. If there is a police department in a city looking for a dog, we ask that they send a written request outlining how they will use the animal in their community. If multiple departments are looking, we will select which department gets the dog.”

In a submission from Conrad Rosendahl, a police chief in New Hampton, he outlined how the department lost its dog to another law enforcement body and replacing it would provide additional handler protection and enable officers to patrol a corridor between two cities known for illegal narcotics. The dog will also be trained for search and rescue work related to schools, businesses, walking trails, and parks. Rosendahl also said it would provide immediate back-up for officers who currently spend a lot of time working solo.

As part of the agreement, Oz Lifting-funded dogs that pass through Erickson’s program will have ‘Oz’ somewhere in their name, for example, ‘Ozzie’, adding to the initiative’s charm and legacy. “This is a way to create a personal connection between the company and the communities it serves, making the program memorable and unique,” said Napieralski.

“Police dogs represent not only a safer alternative in law enforcement but also a bridge between police forces and the public,” he continued. “This initiative aligns with our core values of reliability, trust, and service, both in business and in our community. If a suspect sees a K9 present, they are less likely to use force against an officer or flee — they will safely cooperate. K9s are also the only use of force that can be recalled immediately, causing no harm. If an officer deploys a gun, taser, etc, they cannot stop once the trigger is pulled.”

Napieralski added, “Unfortunately, like many regions, the Midwest faces challenges related to narcotics. Police K9 units are vital in combating these issues, providing efficient and effective drug detection, while enhancing community safety. While New Hampton isn’t in our immediate vicinity, it’s part of the wider region, which we proudly call home. Many of our customers and employees have connections across the Midwest, so it’s still a local investment in the safety and security of our extended community.”

Interestingly, the Napieralskis descend from families of public servants. Steve’s father was a police officer in Chicago, while Jane’s was a firefighter in Winona. Many of Oz Lifting’s 25 full-time staff are dog owners. Napieralski said, “They view their pets as family members. This shared love for dogs makes the K9 donation program especially meaningful for our team.”

The City of New Hampton Police Department and the local community are the latest beneficiaries of the company’s charitable contributions. In 2023, it donated over $10,000 to a variety of local causes, including the American Legion, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Habitat for Humanity, and Winona Area Humane Society. It also supports local youth sports, schools, and organizations such as the Rotary Club.

Anyone interested in supporting this or other Code Blue K9 programs, should contact Oz Lifting for details.

OZ Lifting Returns to WEFTEC

OZ Lifting’s Tele-Pro and CompOZite davit cranes are just part of the wider material handling offering presented at WEFTEC Booth 8229.

 

Winona, Minnesota-based OZ Lifting Products LLC will exhibit at the Water Environment Federation’s Technical Exhibition & Conference (WEFTEC), which takes place October 5-9, 2024 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. The exhibition runs on the final three days of the event. See OZ Lifting at Booth 8229.

OZ Lifting returns to the WEFTEC show floor, with a 20 ft. by 20 ft. booth, having exhibited on three prior occasions. Center of attention will again be its Tele-Pro davit crane range, which is available in 500 lb., 1,200 lb. and 2,500 lb. capacities, and allows users to leverage the benefits of the company’s other davits, while telescoping the boom in and out under load.

Richard Miller, sales manager at OZ Lifting, said: “The Tele-Pro has been a popular product in this industry because of its ability to make precise adjustments under load. Our customers have found this exceptionally beneficial for raising and lowering water pumps; we will be staging live demonstrations of this application in our booth at the show.”

Another popular product is the 1,200-lb. capacity CompOZite davit crane, renowned for being ultra-lightweight, and having exceptional corrosion resistance, even in harsh environments where water and treatment chemicals are present. The crane is made from advanced composite material and weighs only 83 lb. A CompOZite boom section will be in the booth to allow WEFTEC attendees to feel the weight difference firsthand.

Attendees will be able to see the CompOZite Elite, the world’s most innovative davit crane, offering the same capacity as the CompOZite, with a total crane weight of only 37 lbs. The booth will also showcase the Steel 500, Alumi-Lite 500, and XR Series 500 davits, plus a new wheel base; in addition to a full line of stainless steel products, including beam clamps, push beam trolleys, chain hoists, and manual winches. That’s not forgetting a range of lever hoists, featuring the popular dynamometer-equipped Dyno-Hoist.

Miller said: “We’ve been seeing a surge in demand for our portable cranes in the water and wastewater industry. The ability to quickly move a single crane around a facility using interchangeable bases has been a game-changer for our customers. It’s helped them save time, money, and improve overall efficiency.

“Expanding our footprint at the show [up from 10 ft. by 20 ft. originally] allows us to better showcase our products, especially the Tele-Pro’s extending boom. With more room, we can comfortably demonstrate the full capabilities of this and other machines. The larger booth also helps us accommodate the increased traffic and provide a more enjoyable experience for visitors.”

Miller will be joined in New Orleans by Steve Napieralski, president; Parker Hale, inside sales specialist; and Ashley Blum, marketing manager.

See OZ Lifting at WEFTEC Booth 8229.

Winona’s OZ Lifting Products to relocate to larger facility on Innovation Drive, continue growth

October 19, 2024 | Winona Daily News | By Rachel Mergen

 

Winona’s OZ Lifting Products will soon have a new home in the city.

The business, which is currently located in a 15,000-square-foot facility on Sixth Street, is planning to move to a 40,000-square-foot building on Innovation Drive that once housed Wenonah Canoe’s kayak facility.

The business is working to prepare the new space at the moment, as it has been gutted and the office space is currently being built out.

Its move-in day is expected to be in January, according to OZ Lifting Products president Steve Napieralski.

Ashley Blum, OZ Lifting Products marketing manager, provides a tour of the company’s Sixth Street facility ahead of the move to a larger Innovation Drive space.

It’ll be the fourth move for the company, which has grown from two employees to 25 since Napieralski, who has 36 years of experience in the lifting and rigging industry, started the business 20 years ago in Winona with a partner who has since retired.

“I think this will be the last move, because we’ll have plenty of space to grow into,” Napieralski said.

The new facility sits on five acres, he said, so there’s ample room for growth.

Ashley Blum, OZ Lifting Products marketing manager, said the company’s racks are completely filled with products. In the past, the business has had to even rent additional space, Napieralski said.

OZ Lifting Products employees put together, test the safety of and prepare equipment to be sold at the company’s Winona facility.

 

“We’re just flat out of space, which is a good thing. The business has been growing. It’s been great,” Napieralski said.

The business sells multiple lifting products, including davit cranes, hoists and more. End users of the business’ products include Tesla, SpaceX, Amazon, Walmart, NASA, the U.S. Navy and Boeing, Napieralski said.

“The new facility has more racking, which means more product, which means we have more products to send out to customers,” Blum said.

Storage space isn’t the only improvement that will come with the new building, though.

OZ Lifting Products employees prepare and test products like davit cranes, hoists and more to be sold through distribution.

“We also will have more advanced testing, and so we can really focus on safety, making sure that all of our products meet the highest safety standards. We’re also doing some engineering advancements,” Blum said.

“We’re really looking forward to getting in that space and just being more efficient,” Napieralski said.

The business farms out the manufacturing of its products, many of which are made in the United States.

OZ Lifting Products president Steve Napieralski and his wife Jane celebrate the groundbreaking of the business’ new facility in September.

 

In Winona, the business works to put together the items and then test, box and prepare them for sale.

The new space will allow for the business to potentially do some of its own manufacturing in the future, Napieralski said.

OZ Lifting Products president Steve Napieralski stands outside of the business’ current location.

 

The business also plans to add more employees in the future.

For more information about OZ Lifting Products, visit ozliftingproducts.com.

Pictured is an architectural mock-up of OZ Lifting Products’ future Innovation Drive facility.

Finding Neverland

“It’s a belief in the ability to fly, empowered by constant learning. I think of my company as entering its teenage years,” says Steve Napieralski, president at OZ Lifting Products.


October 2024 | International Lift & Hoist | The Insider | By Steve Napieralski

Don’t let your business mature too quickly, says Steve Napieralski, president at OZ Lifting.

If you want your business to fly, be like Peter Pan. Never Grow Up.

I don’t believe my company will ever truly become an adult. In fact, I sprinkle it with fairy dust every morning to make sure that it doesn’t.

There is something to be said for always keeping a goal just out of arm’s reach and, if the supposed utopia is to become fully grown, mature, and eventually withered, I’m not sure I want it anyway.

When J. M. Barrie created his fictional character, he was onto something. Although, in real life, my firm is preparing to turn 20 years old, it doesn’t feel like that. Nor do I want any of my 25 full-time staff reporting for duty thinking they are working for an organisation that is complete.

‘Would you like an adventure now, or shall we have our tea first?’


Noah’s arc

There have been many moments lately where I’ve pondered the meaning of life and business, having become a grandfather for the first time. My eldest daughter, Emma, recently gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, called Noah. My wife, Jane, and I have delighted in the family expanding into another generation. My other daughter, Lizzy, is settling into Auntie duties and we’ve loved spending time together with the new arrival naturally centre of attention.

Unfortunately, no amount of pixie dust in the world will stop Noah growing up way too quickly but, while we can slow the lifecycle of a business, there are many synergies that do exist between family and the corporate world. Happily married to Jane for 36 great years, the two facets of my life have dovetailed now for nearly four decades.

We have strived to be the best parents we can be. Providing for our children has been our top priority and working hard has been central to that objective. I could chart the journey from when I started in the lifting industry in 1988, working for a manufacturer of equipment, but opening my first business in 1995 was really when I began to explore Neverland.

Prior to launching my current company, I was nine years into my rep business, uneasy about the 30-day contracts I had with each of the companies I represented. I knew I had strong relationships with all the distributors that I called on, so I thought, why not leverage them? I was fortunate to meet two Australians that were looking for a U.S. exclusive distributor of their hoist equipment.

Since then, I’ve grown as a person and leader. As a father, I’ve been there to help my children through life, allowing them to make mistakes and learn from them. I’ve taught them to treat people with respect and encouraged them to be the very best that they can be. Now, as a grandfather, I believe my role will be to continue to support and help the whole family.

As a company owner, these tasks have been mirrored. I remember getting my first big customer; it was like watching Emma and Lizzy walking for the first time. I sat in the company’s huge auditorium waiting to learn if they were going to promote my product. When they came in and said they were committing to me, it was a feeling that I will never forget. I knew with their support I was going to make it. I wasn’t naive; as with my daughters, I knew the company had a long journey ahead. But it gave me the confidence that I had products that would interest the industrial community.


Youthful exuberance

It’s in these magical moments — they feel like chapters of fiction — that you should live as a business owner and make sure that a corporation never truly grows out of them. It’s not about stunting growth; quite the opposite. It’s a belief in the ability to fly, empowered by constant learning. I think of my company as entering its teenage years, and I don’t want it to grow through them anywhere near as quickly as Emma and Lizzy did.

Consider the frequency with which a young person falls and makes mistakes. Each and every one of these moments is a learning opportunity. Adults, by contrast, develop a mentality whereby they think they know everything and when things go wrong it’s someone else’s fault or they have been the victim of circumstance. Very few adults — at least sober ones — believe they can fly and, as J. M. Barrie wrote, ‘The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease for ever to be able to do it.’

Youthfulness has a certain immunity about it too. Old, rugged companies are susceptible to cyclical downturns and market trends. They get over excited by favourable climes and pessimistic when there’s a bump in the road. Smart business leaders, meanwhile, recognise that one must not get too high when times are good, and not too low when they are not. Take the positives where they exist but always look at the glass half full when the pressure is on; what can you learn from the experience?

It’s a sad reality of life that society tends to convince us that the younger we are, the more enjoyment we are allowed to have. I wholeheartedly reject that, but I do subscribe to the idea that fun and happiness help families and businesses to thrive. I’m a positive person and want to be around positive people. Good business leaders are demanding of their individuals and team functions but allow time to enjoy each other’s company and the wider process.

We sponsor a number of young people — the youngest is just 10 years old — who race stock cars. I might not know my ‘B-mods’ as well as the enthusiasts I’ve met recently, but that’s not the point. We put on a racing night a few weeks ago and everyone is still buzzing. We hold regular social events, sometimes grilling out, and other times getting food in. Regardless, it’s about creating a young, fun, energised community for everyone to call their second family. Here, they can fly.

It’s why I continue to scoff at the idea of selling up. Haven’t you noticed; I’m having way too much fun for that? We have a growing distributor network across North America and are preparing to move for a fourth time into a 40,000 square-foot facility. It sits on five acres so there is plenty of scope to expand it even further. Little Noah might even work there one day.

Adulthood is a long way off.

Think a happy thought.

‘Second star to the right and straight on ’til morning.’

Steve Napieralski has been in the lifting and rigging industry for 36 years — seven years working for a manufacturer of lifting equipment before setting up his own businesses. In 1995, he started as a manufacturer’s representative dedicated to the lifting and rigging industry, and in 2004 he founded OZ Lifting Products. He is a graduate of Winona State University and holds three patents. Napieralski has been affiliated with associations since 1992 with his membership in Associated Wire Rope Fabricators (AWRF).