CMCO Unveils the Next Generation of Kito Manual Chain Hoist

WUPPERTAL, GERMANY, July 14, 2026 – Columbus McKinnon (Nasdaq: CMCO), is proud to announce the launch of the Kito CQ, a groundbreaking new generation of manual chain hoists engineered to redefine the standards of safety, efficiency and ease of operation on job sites worldwide.

As industries and workplaces continue to evolve, the traditional hand pull force required for manual hoisting has become an important consideration point for customers. To address this challenge, the Company has reimagined what a manual chain hoist can be. The result is the Kito CQ – a manual hoist that prioritizes reduced physical strain, enhanced safety and effortless operation from any position.

40% Reduction in Hand Pull Force: A New Benchmark in Usability

 The new Kito CQ delivers a remarkable 40% reduction in hand pull force compared to conventional manual chain hoists. For 1-ton models, the required hand pull force is dramatically reduced from 29 kilogram-force to just 18 kilogram-force, enabling operators to transition from a strenuous two-handed, pull-and-reset motion to a smooth, continuous hand-over-hand action.

This improvement significantly reduces operator fatigue, especially during extended use, and helps boost productivity across demanding job sites.

Engineered for Comfort, Control, and Safety

The Kito CQ’s design goes beyond power — it focuses on the operator, providing

• Reduced physical burden that enables safer, more efficient operation
• Improved ergonomics to make lifting more intuitive and accessible for workers of all experience levels
• Consistent performance to support long-duration work with less physical strain*

*Performance may vary by worker and load conditions.

Introducing Kito’s Enhanced Overload Limiter (OLL) – Patent Pending

Every Kito CQ is equipped with a newly enhanced, patent-pending Overload Limiter (OLL) as standard. This advanced safety feature:

• Helps prevent excessive loading
• Enhances activation consistency
• Protects workers and equipment
• Reduces the risk of breakdowns
• Contributes to extended hoist lifespan

This innovation underscores the Kito brand’s commitment to smarter, safer lifting solutions that contribute to long-term operational reliability.

Redefining the Act of Lifting

 The Kito CQ represents a major evolution in manual hoist technology. By reducing strain and improving ease of use, it ensures lifting tasks can be performed safely and efficiently — by anyone, from any angle, in any environment.

Columbus McKinnon’s commitment remains clear: to make lifting easier, safer, and more productive for every worker, everywhere.

About CMCO

CMCO is a global leader in intelligent motion solutions designed to advance performance and productivity, helping customers move the world forward with confidence. Guided by its mission to deliver innovative solutions with unmatched safety, quality and reliability, CMCO enables efficient lifting, positioning, securing and movement of materials across a wide range of end markets. Its portfolio spans five key platforms: lifting hardware consumables, hoists and cranes, precision conveyance, automation and linear motion. Driven by a vision for a safer, more productive tomorrow, CMCO partners with customers to solve some of their most complex intralogistics challenges and keep industry in motion. Comprehensive information is available at www.cmco.com. Kito is a brand of CMCO.