OZ LIFTING PRODUCTS | PROJECT
1,200lb and 2,500lb capacities, which allows users to leverage the benefits of the manufacturer’s other cranes, while telescoping the boom in and out under load. Among other davits and accessories are manual and electric hoists and winches, in addition to a range of beam trolleys, clamps and wire rope products. It is a product range that has been strategically assembled over time – and not just during the two decades since inauguration. Napieralski cut his teeth in lifting back in 1988, when he worked for an equipment manufacturer. He launched his first business in the mid-1990s, representing other manufacturers, specialising in the lifting and rigging business. “Prior to launching [OZ Lifting],” he reflects, “I was nine years into my rep business, uneasy about the contracts I had with each of the companies I represented. I was able to leverage the strong relationships I had with all the distributors that I called on. Around the same time, I met two Australians who were looking for someone to distribute their hoist equipment exclusively in the US.” The foundations of the company’s initial offering were built on a simple manual lever and chain hoist, equipped with overload protection. Interestingly, these lines have grown into today’s Premium series of products. US-made items were soon added to the catalogue; today’s 540 stock keeping units (SKUs) represent a combination of both domestically manufactured and imported products. Add a new website to the 20th anniversary celebrations and relocation, and it’s a heady cocktail. A passionate philanthropist, and new grandfather too, it’s remarkable that Napieralski fits it all in. Yet, his gait is evenly paced and his demeanour as relaxed and comfortable as his Cole Haan shoes. “It has been an interesting past year,” he beams.
But not 12 months or so that would have totally surprised him. “The whole operation is built on a customer- centric approach,” Napieralski continues. “We serve customers across various industries, often identifying solutions they didn’t even know they needed. At the numerous trade shows we attend each year, we listen closely as people share their lifting challenges and pain points. We then collaborate with the team to develop innovative solutions – many of which are industry firsts, like the CompOZite davit crane. By leveraging advanced materials and techniques, we create groundbreaking products that, in turn, inspire innovative solutions for end users. “Our needs have changed over the years; we
went from strictly an import business to now over half of the offering being products we are making here in the US. And that was by design; we have four patented products [and two more patents are currently pending].” Visitors to ProMat – the exhibition takes place
17–20 March at Chicago’s McCormick Place – will see the US Patented Tele-Pro davit crane, for example. While all lifting specifications, hook reach and lifting heights remain the same, several improvements have been made. Napieralski points to smoother boom operation under load; enhanced manoeuvrability; clearer capacity limits; industrial, high-visibility powder coating; and simplified maintenance. These five features will be showcased during on-site demonstrations. The CompOZite model, also patented, will be at the exhibition as well. “We will be working towards same-day shipping,” says Napieralski. “We currently ship within two business days but with this additional space the goal is same day. It’s the way industry is moving. So many things have changed, with the most obvious being how people access information. In the ’90s it was literature – that was your sales tool. Now, with the internet, you really need a user-friendly website. That doesn’t mean they don’t want to see it first. After Covid, I think trade shows have gained in popularity. People like to physically see products – especially new products. Then when they have a need for them, they want them quickly. Tomorrow, even.” The company’s new website aligns with
these trends and captures every product in the catalogue. More than that, it’s an online portal to the business. Significant investment has been placed in design and search features to ensure that visitors – distributors, reps and end users – can easily navigate the multifaceted platform. The developers conducted in-depth interviews
with key stakeholders, including corporate decision-makers, engineers, end users, distributors and sales reps, to understand their needs and challenges. By gathering their feedback and insights, the team was able to tailor the website to provide a seamless and efficient experience for everyone who visits. It’s a digital world that Napieralski has adapted to,
like every member of his generation. For new grandson Noah, life will be different and altogether more technological. However, the same family values endure at home and in business, he believes. “My wife Jane and I have strived to be the best
parents we can be. Providing for our children has been our top priority and working hard has been central to that objective. I’ve been there to help my children through life, allowing them to make mistakes and learn from them. I’ve taught them to treat people with respect and encouraged them to be the very best that they can be. Family and business continue to have much in common.” It’s working. A once humble start-up is now metaphorically, “entering its college years”, as Napieralski sees it. With lots more expanding to do, it continues to enjoy aggressive growth and is once again seeing a double-digit year-to-date increase. Spring is finally in the air too.
See Napieralski and his team at ProMat. (Booth S309).
ochmagazine.com | Spring 2025 11
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