Winkle Industries Inc. originated in 1949 as a family-owned
business based in Canfield, Ohio. The firm specialized in
the manufacture and
recertification of lifting magnets and specialized crane
products used by the steel industry throughout America’s
Midwest and north-eastern states.
Lifting devices of every description, representing every
abuse and failure, passed through the Winkle repair and rebuild
facilities. As the company’s understanding of design
and quality issues in the industry expanded, so did Winkle’s
reputation for returning higher quality, more cost-efficient
equipment to its customers. Through our remanufacturing program,
Winkle became an authorized distributor for many leading brands
of OEM and aftermarket parts, adding to the range of services
we could provide to our customers' maintenance operations.
A new generation
In 1997, Winkle’s current owner and President, Joseph
Schatz, succeeded the Winkle family after serving several
years on staff. His first-hand experience in customers’
mills, yards, foundries and plants set Winkle on a new path
for growth.
Quickly expanding its Engineering Department, Winkle began
to grow into the design and production of its own brand of
new mechanical lifting devices. Controlled pilot studies led
to a unique understanding of the design parameters that affect
equipment performance.
From their strong footing in the iron and steel market, Winkle
equipment also began to appear in more industries including
scrap recycling, aluminum, transportation, paper and other
manufacturing facilities.
Hooked on Winkle
A new infrastructure for diversification was emerging. Customers,
to streamline their own operations, were searching out trusted
suppliers that could meet a broadening range of lifting needs.
Winkle’s design engineers stepped up to the challenge
as Winkle became the industry’s first complete “below
the hook” specialist, offering both magnetic and
mechanical lifting devices.
Meanwhile, the quality of Winkle manufacturing and remanufacturing
led to contracts for a growing range of crane brakes, crane
reels and related “above
the hook” products including mechanical and electrical
components for all makes of overhead cranes.
Inevitably, Winkle outgrew its Canfield home. In 2004, Winkle
constructed a new state-of-the-art 75,000 sq. ft. facility
in nearby Alliance, OH.
End-to-end productivity
Winkle’s investment in engineering resources continues
to drive our spirit of innovation. In recent years, along
with new product developments, Winkle’s engineering
expertise has provided the foundation for a variety of "industry
first" services aimed at helping customers to maximize
the return on their investment in production equipment and
processes.
Through advanced engineering, quality manufacturing and remanufacturing,
plus integrated service programs, Winkle Industries delivers
on its commitment to provide an expanding portfolio of products
sharing a common purpose: “Engineered for
end-to-end productivity”.
