PRESIDENT SPOTLIGHT | HMI
Strengthening industry leadership
As the newly appointed president of the Hoist Manufacturers Institute (HMI), Rob Beightol’s focus is on enhancing the organisation’s visibility, embracing digital transformation and fostering industry-wide collaboration. By leveraging key partnerships, expanding membership and staying at the forefront of technological advancements, he aims to solidify HMI’s role as the leading authority in overhead lifting solutions.
A
s the newly appointed president of HMI, my primary focus is to enhance the organisation’s visibility and position it
as the go-to resource for addressing overhead lifting challenges. A crucial part of this strategy involves working with the Overhead Alliance to create educational content, including blogs and best practices, that emphasise safety, proper equipment selection and industry dos and don’ts. Additionally, leveraging partnerships with key external organisations like OSHA will further solidify HMI’s role as an industry leader. A significant aspect of HMI’s evolution will be the embrace of digital transformation. In today’s fast-paced environment, it is essential that potential customers can easily access information and connect with member companies. To achieve this, we are prioritising a strong digital presence, working closely with the other overhead groups – CMAA, MMA and the Overhead Alliance – as well as MHI to
ensure seamless access to resources and expertise. Membership growth remains a key priority. We
are actively reaching out to companies within MHI that manufacture hoists but are not yet members, such as those primarily producing cranes but also offering hoist solutions. Expanding our network in this way will strengthen the association and create new opportunities for collaboration and innovation. Technology is advancing at an unprecedented pace, and HMI is committed to staying at the forefront of these developments. By fostering knowledge-sharing among member companies, we can collectively explore emerging technologies such as AI and assess their potential benefits for the industry. Understanding and leveraging new innovations will help HMI members remain competitive and adaptable. While HMI does not sell its own hoist standards, our members play an integral role in shaping industry regulations. Many of our members
actively participate in ANSI committees that drive change, ensuring that industry standards evolve to meet new challenges and safety requirements. Our collaboration with government agencies, particularly OSHA, remains a cornerstone of our efforts. Through the Crane, Hoist and Monorail Alliance and our involvement in the Ambassador Group, we maintain a strong cooperative relationship with OSHA, developing safety documents, best practices and tip sheets that benefit the entire industry. Marketing and public relations are also critical components of our strategy to expand HMI’s influence. With a strong digital emphasis, we aim to keep the HMI brand top of mind, making it easier for businesses to rely on us for their overhead lifting needs. Leveraging a wide range of digital platforms will ensure that our expertise is readily available to those who need it most. Elsewhere, workforce development remains a
pressing issue in the manufacturing sector. While HMI may not address this directly, we fully support MHI’s initiatives in promoting career opportunities within the industry. Member companies will continue to play an active role in events like Student Days at Promat and Modex, helping to attract and inspire the next generation of skilled professionals. Through these strategic initiatives, HMI is
poised to strengthen its position as a leader in the industry, ensuring safety, efficiency and innovation remain at the forefront of crane and hoist manufacturing.
HMI is committed to staying at the forefront of technological developments.
Rob Beightol Beightol currently serves as director of marketing at Gorbel and is serving his second term as president of HMI. With 30 years of experience in the industry, Rob has also served leadership positions in MMA and was a founding member of the Overhead Alliance.
44 Spring 2025 |
ochmagazine.com
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