Atlas Copco Enhances Ergonomics with Unified Industries’ Mobile Lifting Solution

Atlas Copco, a global leader in sustainable industrial productivity, faced a challenge at its New Hudson facility: safely and efficiently handling heavy parts during production. The goal was clear—improve ergonomics, reduce manual lifting, and create a mobile solution independent of fixed power sources.

Products and Services

• Unified Industries Custom Mobile Gantry Crane
• CM® BatteryStar Battery-Powered Chain Hoist

The Challenge

• Develop a modern lifting solution for repeatable tasks
• Improve operator safety and ease of use
• Ensure mobility and autonomy without reliance on fixed power

The Solution

Unified Industries delivered a custom-designed mobile gantry crane paired with the CM® BatteryStar Battery-Powered Chain Hoist. This innovative system:

• Eliminated manual lifting, reducing risk of back injuries
• Enabled single-person operation for improved efficiency

• Expert guidance and support ensured seamless integration into the environment

Atlas Copco sought to improve worker safety and ergonomics by utilizing a customized solution from Unified Industries. A portable steel mobile gantry was designed to meet the application needs to improve the process flow and worker safety while achieving autonomy and energy independence. By implementing the Unified solution, the process has been optimized so a single person can now handle the equipment.

Unified proposed a concept for the solution, conducted field checks for dimensional and vertical travel needs, and coordinated with their internal engineering team. Collaborating directly with Atlas Copco, the proposed gantry crane design was finalized, built, and installed. An adjustable enclosed track aluminum gantry crane is an ideal solution anywhere lifting equipment is required on an infrequent basis. Large locking casters allow the gantry to be moved with ease and out the way when not in use. Also selected for its mobility and eliminated reliance on a fixed power source, the BatteryStar hoist aligned perfectly with the flexibility of the gantry crane solution. BatteryStar operates on battery power, specifically a Milwaukee Tool® brand M18™ battery, making it ideal for temporary applications or areas of a facility or job site where electricity is unavailable or difficult to reach. This combination represented a novel integration of the portable lifting technology available from Columbus McKinnon’s Unified and CM brands.

This project also demonstrates Unified Industries’ ability to solve customer challenges with innovative, ergonomic, and safe solutions. By understanding Atlas Copco’s unique needs

and delivering a customized system, Unified and CM have demonstrated the value of collaboration and engineering excellence, supporting Atlas Copco’s broader mission of shaping the future of manufacturing.

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