Columbus McKinnon and Milwaukee Tool Announce Development of First-of-Its Kind Battery-Powered Chain Hoist Combining Industry-Leading Hoist and Battery Technology

Columbus McKinnon Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCO)(“Company” “Columbus McKinnon”), a leading designer and manufacturer of intelligent motion solutions, products and technologies for material handling, and Milwaukee Tool, a global leader in delivering innovative solutions to the professional construction trades, today announced the joint development of a first-of-its-kind battery hoist. Combining Columbus McKinnon’s industry-leading hoist design with Milwaukee Tool’s expertise in lithium-ion battery and brushless motor technology, the innovative BatteryStar hoist provides the lifting strength and speed of an electric chain hoist and the portability of a manual hoist without the need for time-consuming manual operation or access to a power source.

“Providing customers with a state-of-the-art solution for their mobile lifting needs, the BatteryStar represents the next step in hoisting innovation, creating a new category of lifting technology,” said Mario Ramos, Sr. Vice President, Product Development and Marketing for Columbus McKinnon. “Building on a 150-year history of innovation and quality in hoisting and lifting technology, this battery-powered hoist was designed to better address our existing customers’ lifting needs by providing new safety features and higher productivity to its users. In addition, this new product reinforces our commitment to serving our customers across a variety of applications, including construction, entertainment, utilities, crane building, equipment maintenance, and more.”

The BatteryStar is powered by Milwaukee Tool’s industry leading M18 REDLITHIUM Battery. This is the same battery customers are already using on job sites around the world, providing convenience and compatibility with well-known Milwaukee-brand tools customers rely on day in and day out. Designed to reduce downtime, the BatteryStar allows an operator to replace the battery quickly and easily for minimal operation interruption.

“One of the most exciting features of the BatteryStar is the portability it provides,” said Ramos. “Weighing only 46 lbs. with the standard 20 feet of chain, this hoist can be transported and installed anywhere it is needed. And, when used in an inverted orientation, the BatteryStar eliminates the need to carry the weight of the hoist up to the anchor point, improving ergonomics and reducing operator effort.”