Welcome to my first issue of Industrial Lift and Hoist. It’s an exciting time to take the reins of the title. I come to Maximum Capacity Media with a decent understanding of this industry, having covered overhead lifting technologies for the past four years. One of the interesting elements of this new challenge will be building on that knowledge and working with contacts old and new to elevate a product that comprehensively covers industrial lifting—not just cranes and hoists.
I’ll quantify my comment that this is an exciting chapter in the life of this magazine. For the first time, ILH will be published 10 times during 2011, giving you, the end user, regular access to the latest on lifting and moving technologies in the range of product sectors that supply your facilities. You will be among 23,000 subscribers who will receive every issue, each providing a comprehensive material lifting overview.
While our existing print and online products will continue to play an integral role in your buying decisions and working practices, our media portfolio will evolve and expand. On Tues., March 22 at McCormick Place South, Chicago, Ill., for example, ILH will stage its Industrial Crane & Hoist Conference (ICHC) in conjunction with the ProMat materials handling show. You should be part of a mass gathering of overhead crane and hoist users at a world class conference that takes place above the largest show floor of lifting and moving technology you will see anywhere in North America next year.
ICHC ProMat is the most dynamic, innovative plant and facility managers’ forum the lifting industry has ever put together. Users can’t afford to miss the productivity and safety lessons that will be served up during a value-packed, one-day program. A panel discussion on OSHA’s new standard regarding the use of cranes and derricks in construction, and moreover, the knock-on effect for industrial lifting, is a must-see for anyone using overhead cranes and hoists in North America. Visit ICHCProMat.com for more details.
Recognized standards for all types of lifting gear could become part of everyday life for the current generation of end users. Hopefully there comes a time when no employer will allow workers to operate overhead lifting equipment, rigging gear, and below-the-hook accessories in their plant or facility unless they have been properly trained to do so.
Let’s end another economically bruising, strategically testing year with this, the final issue of 2010. ILH, like many of our readers’ suppliers and manufacturers of the equipment in their facilities, is a member of the Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA). The MHIA is the largest U.S. material handling and logistics association, representing the leading providers of material handling and logistics solutions. “Solutions that make the supply chain work” is its catch line. However, the association is not as well known as it might be among end user communities. How well do you know it, for example? Familiarize yourself with the work it does on page 14.
I’ll conclude with a thank you to Katie Parrish, who has laid such strong foundations as editor of ILH over the past few years. I’m delighted to retain her expert services as contributing editor. B2B media has a massive role to play in the future of our industry, and I look forward to my first year at the helm of your magazine.
Lift & Access is part of the Catalyst Communications Network publication family.
