GUEST COLUMN


engagement of a load to another structure, such as fastening a large load to the back of a truck. YOKE’s Yellow Point range is available from M6


to M100 or 1/4in to 4in thread diameter. In other words, M6 equals 6mm metric thread diameter and 1/4in is the imperial thread diameter. Unified National Coarse (UNC) is commonly used in the US and some other industrial applications. These lifting points range from 100kg up to 40t Working Load Limit (WLL). Load-rated parts are 100% magnaflux crack detected and proof tested to 2.5 times the WLL. The products are fatigue rated to 20,000 cycles at 1.5 times the WLL.


Lifting the world It takes a global manufacturing operation to deliver these important products to the point of use. YOKE also provides other lifting and rigging hardware, including Grade 80 and Grade 100 lifting chain fittings; swivel hoist hooks; shackles; angular contact swivels; and wire rope clips. Production at YOKE started in 1997. Today, a 56,000 square metre facility produces a staggering 20 million pieces per year. The smart factory is built on over 70 automation systems with more than 100 robotic arms; it is an automated fleet of state-of-the-art Fanuc equipment, that represents approximately $30m worth of investment. The factory, located in Taiwan, also employs 500 employees, while human workforce numbers globally are on a steady upward trajectory. Management aims to achieve regional business services through the expansion of expatriate staff. The automation systems introduced by YOKE


are aimed at stabilising product quality, reducing reliance on personnel and enhancing the value of employees. While production efficiency may not necessarily always improve, as robots are insufficient to fully replace human hands, the benefits are clear: stable quality; stable production volume; and enhanced employee value. Technology and human beings combine


to manufacture an industry-leading hardware range that is fitted with BlueSupra digital chips and equipped with Digital Product Passports (DPP). A DPP is a data management tool that records a product’s life cycle information, including material composition, energy performance, maintenance guidelines and recycling methods. A DPP, therefore, promotes compliance and transparency, while improving resource efficiency and supporting circular economy goals. Practically that means that each rotating lifting point’s information, inspection reports and usage history can be tracked, making maintenance and examination easier. It is an offering upheld by adherence


to the world’s leading standards, covering inspections, tests and controls, from raw material to finished product. While the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) is a US-based organisation, its standards and codes are widely used in Mexico and the wider Americas. YOKE is


A super point


YOKE Industrial recently increased Mexican stock of its Model 8-251 Super Point, which is used to automatically align with the load to keep equipment and operators safe. While its ball-bearing feature is ingenious from an engineering standpoint, its value is in enhanced safety. It keeps the lift smooth and reduces wear, which are clear benefits in a multitude of applications at the point of use. In an ideal world, all lifts would be perfectly vertical but in reality this is often not the case – that’s why the Model 8-251 Super Point is worth having in every rigging store.


also a member of the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA), which is established across the world as the leading trade association for all those involved in the lifting industry.


Training in Mexico YOKE delivers world-class LEEA-accredited training programmes to Mexican end users. Lifting in many cases looks simple but safety always hinges on important behind-the-scenes details, like sling angles, load distribution, hardware selection and lifting point inspection criteria. Without proper knowledge, incorrect operation can lead to equipment failure or even serious injuries. Training is thusly the backbone of


professionalism and trust. Customers feel more confident when they know how to use the equipment properly. Training boosts their skills, improves real-world performance and strengthens their trust in YOKE as a reliable partner. As a stakeholder in Mexico’s energy markets, YOKE training helps channel partners meet regulations and reduce risk. In high-risk industries – oil and gas, offshore, wind energy and so on – operating best practices are extremely strict. Paper-based inspection records are no longer sufficient due to high inspection frequency, manpower cost and the need for traceability. YOKE’s aforementioned BlueSupra digital chips


integrate with RiConnect’s Asset Management Platform, which helps different stakeholders solve common asset management challenges. YOKE has campaigned for digital chips and Software as a Service (SaaS) to be more widely utilised by the lifting industry for many years – and remains dedicated to simplifying and digitalising the processes around compliance and traceability for equipment management. The European Union’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) is increasingly shaping global manufacturing and best practice, and its influence is reaching markets like Mexico. Many Mexican manufacturers produce for the EU market. To export, their products – ranging from industrial machinery to electrical equipment – must comply


with ESPR requirements. This encourages local factories to adopt sustainable design, energy efficiency and end-of-life recyclability in line with EU standards. ESPR will introduce a mandatory DPP for certain product categories. This shift requires manufacturers to provide transparent traceability, digital documentation, and sustainability data. To support the industry’s transition, YOKE offers a DPP-ready solution, helping manufacturers easily meet these requirements, while reducing manual workload and ensuring full compliance. YOKE Yellow Point lifting points embed compliance directly into the production workflow. Digital architecture enables manufacturers to capture inspection data, manage certifications, maintain secure digital records and generate automated reports aligned with international standards. The result is reduced administrative burden, improved audit readiness and stronger governance. Traceability is no longer limited to batch tracking. Global customers demand serialisation, material genealogy, and life cycle visibility.


Digital infrastructure In conclusion, manufacturers in Mexico, particularly those serving export markets or working with multinational clients, must comply with increasingly rigorous international standards and customer-specific requirements. That means components like rotating lifting points are part of the same conversation – and that’s where globally renowned suppliers like YOKE have a role to play. Compliance is not optional: failing to meet


recognised standards, such as ASME, LEEA or EU regulations, can prevent access to key markets, result in rejected shipments or expose companies to liability. In practice, adherence ensures that products are safe, reliable and consistent, which is essential in sectors where heavy equipment, machinery and industrial components carry high operational and safety risks. Beyond regulatory necessity, meeting these


standards demonstrates technical competence and trustworthiness to customers. Many global clients demand documented compliance with both international norms and bespoke specifications, often as a precondition for long-term contracts or strategic partnerships. By embedding these requirements into design, production and quality assurance processes, Mexican manufacturers not only secure market access but also strengthen their reputation, improve product quality and foster customer confidence – all critical factors in highly competitive, export-driven industries. The next phase of industrial growth in Mexico will be defined by smart factories, connected ecosystems and data-enabled operations. Companies that invest in integrated digital infrastructure today will be best positioned to lead tomorrow.


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