Industry in motion COMMENT
April 2026 Issue 272
geopolitical landscape. Ongoing trade tensions, regional conflicts and shifting supply chains continue to impact project timelines, equipment costs and material availability, requiring businesses to remain agile and resilient. At the same time, the industry is evolving rapidly through automation, smart controls and AI-enabled safety systems, alongside tightening regulations and persistent skills shortages. In this climate, success will depend on balancing innovation with a steadfast commitment to safety, workforce development and operational reliability. In this month’s issue of Hoist we speak to Modulift’s Sarah Spivey on her journey through the ranks to become the company’s managing director in our CEO diaries on page 12. We also highlight Hoist & Winch, one of the UK’s leading lifting equipment companies, on the supply and installation of a two-phase hoisting solution. When construction a modern flour mill, the installation and maintenance of equipment require specific lifting solution to support its operation. On page 10, we find out how Hoist & Winch’s flexible approach supported the plant’s installation and ongoing maintenance. Training is essential for ensuring cranes have operators. Traditionally this took the form of hands-on experience with a crane to get the time and practice to operate said crane. Now, thanks to the development of virtual reality simulators, students can train on digital models of cranes and various environments. Julian Champkin explores how VR systems are playing a part in sharpening the skills of future crane operators on page 20. In this issue’s Market insight, we explore the industrial construction project pipeline across Western Europe and Eastern Europe to find out the major industrial development plans and investments, while tracking the latest industrial construction projects on page 28. On page 36, we look to Latin America as the industrial construction sector is driven by strong investment in mining, manufacturing and emerging energy projects. I hope you enjoy the latest edition of Hoist as the industry continues to adapt and move forward.
A Phoebe Galbraith, editor
s we move further into 2026, the hoist and lifting sector is operating against a backdrop of both strong opportunity and heightened uncertainty. Global demand remains robust, driven by large-scale infrastructure investment and the energy transition, yet this growth is increasingly shaped by a complex
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