Lifting equipment supplier SkyJacks has secured an exclusive distribution agreement with US company Atlas Lifting and Rigging (ALR) for Southern Africa, according to SkyJacks MD Alistair Bennett.

While ALR is based in the US, the hoists are made in China.

The agreement, formalised in late 2024, grants SkyJacks the right to distribute ALR’s range of chain hoists, lever hoists and heavy-duty trolleys across the region. With stock now available, industries such as mining, engineering and construction stand to benefit from enhanced operational safety, efficiency and cost-effectiveness, he tells Engineering News.

Bennett further describes the partnership as a strategic move that aligns with SkyJacks’ commitment to providing high-quality lifting solutions tailored to local industry needs.

He notes that this collaboration ensures businesses have access to time-tested lifting gear, along with local assistance, training and servicing throughout the product’s life cycle.

ALR’s products comply with South African National Standards (SANS) including SANS 1594 and 1636, ensuring their safety and reliability in demanding applications. These products undergo rigorous testing for load capacity and performance, mitigating the risk of equipment failure and workplace incidents, Bennett says, adding that ALR’s chain hoists, designed for lifting heavy loads in areas without power access, feature upgraded steel-alloy side plates that provide 20% greater structural strength.

Further, the drop-forged pinion shafts, embedded with titanium, ensure durability, while the caged roller bearings minimise friction and wear, and extend product life.

The lever hoists, used for pulling, lifting and positioning tasks, incorporate a chrome-plated dual pawl brake system that resists corrosion and prevents mechanical failure.

Additionally, ALR’s in-house manufactured Grade 100 load chains offer 20% more strength than standard Grade 80 chains, improving safety margins in high-stress environments.

Heavy-duty trolleys, which are available in plain and geared options, facilitate smooth movement along beams, making them suitable for workshops, warehouses and construction sites. Capacities range from 500 kg to 20 t, allowing for flexible application across various industrial settings.

Bennett elaborates that Skyjacks’ lifting solutions cater to multiple industries, particularly mining and construction. Specifically, in the mining sector, its chain and lever hoists are used for equipment maintenance, underground operations and load handling in confined spaces where traditional lifting equipment is impractical.

In construction, they play a critical role in structural steel erection, positioning heavy concrete structures and handling materials in restricted workspaces.

“By streamlining the supply chain and offering localised support, we ensure that companies across Southern Africa can readily access this equipment to enhance their operational efficiency,” he comments.

As a subsidiary of industrial engineering company Waco Africa Group, SkyJacks leverages an extensive branch and logistics network to ensure timely product availability, and Bennett notes that its regional warehouse in Gauteng maintains a well-stocked inventory, reducing lead times and facilitating rapid delivery to businesses, including those in remote areas.

SkyJacks is also expanding its network of authorised resellers across the Southern African Development Community to increase product accessibility in strategic markets, while its investments in online platforms are further enhancing customer convenience by providing access to product specifications, quotations and service inquiries.

Beyond product distribution, SkyJacks also offers operator training, equipment maintenance and performance testing.

Its training initiatives aim to improve workplace safety and ensure optimal product use, while its routine maintenance services optimise and extend equipment life. SkyJacks also provides inspection and testing services as a registered Lifting Machinery Entity with the Department of Employment and Labour.

Its Core Inspection System streamlines compliance with the Driven Machinery Regulations, which mandate regular inspections and load testing for lifting equipment.

“This digital system ensures inspections and load tests are performed consistently and thoroughly, offering automated load test certificates, compliance reminders, real-time data capture and online access to regulatory documentation,” Bennett says.

Looking ahead, SkyJacks plans to expand its ALR product offering to meet evolving market demands.

Potential developments include hoist models with increased load capacities and the introduction of electric hoists to complement the existing manual range.

“Our long-term goal is to position ALR as the leading lifting and rigging solution provider in Southern Africa,” he comments, noting that by focusing on product innovation, customer training and service excellence, SkyJacks aims to set a new benchmark for safety and reliability in the region’s lifting industry.