STATE FOCUS | TENNESSEE
But what is known is that, as of 2022, 6% of all cars made in America were from Tennessee, forming 15% of the state's total export. With four major assembly plants and automobile operations found in 88 of the 95 counties, it means the general outlook for the sector – now defined by the need to technologically transition, political change and the threat of Chinese competition – has a major impact on both the sector and those supplying it. Moore admits such proffered rule changes
around the sector, but it won’t dampen his overall optimistic outlook: “The automotive industry affects our involvement, and the past seven years has had some effect on business, but in general, all the companies are strong and growing.” That said, it’s not just the private sector wary of the financial outlook; Moore has noticed some retreat in municipal purse-loosening. For one, Nashville’s spending plans are described by its Mayor Freddie O’Connell as “tightening the belt a little” while Memphis is looking to balance its budget. Even at the state level, the budget is lower than in previous years, despite large-scale spending commitments. It’s being felt by crane and hoist operators, and for Moore, it’s a warning. “It just feels like towns and cities are watching their spending,” says Moore. Perhaps adaptability will be key here again.
Talent and technology Also seen as important is what the labour market can offer. Talent is critical to being able to step up and deliver what customers want, write HSC in
Manufacturing in Focus: whether that’s providing material handling system for Peterbilt Motors, delivering for Lockheed Martin or training client employee bases in operating norms. In order to keep the business running smoothly, HSC sees training as critical: technical training in mechanical components which can boost custom thanks to quick troubleshooting on products and safety training are seen as key to the business and there’s a sense, at least from smaller to mid suppliers, keeping talent means treating them as family. “A family-oriented environment has helped us keep staff,” says Moore. “But it's also about listening to employees and giving them decision-making authority, treating them well and offering good conditions.” This has resulted in, as Moore says, being
able to grow the workforce – critical when also servicing not just Tennessee but outside the state, too. But the labour market is tight; unemployment in the state was, at last count, 3.7% according to the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development in January 2025 – below the US average. Indeed, Barnhart’s CEO Alan Barnhart recently relayed how he believes the labour shortage in skilled trades, such as crane services, might result in companies having to build their own talent bases. “We should just start a school from scratch,” he wrote in
KHL.com in 2023. But there is an opportunity to get the right talent.
At HSC, they’ve grown by 10 staff over the year, which they say tracks to their growth projections, expecting to be at $80m revenue in five years’
time with comparable EBITA. Barnhart, meanwhile, has started their own training courses to bring staff into the industry. And when employees get into the industry, it’s about keeping talent up to date. At HSC, at least, this means ensuring that staff are safety checked, including machine guard and welding and cutting safety as well as understanding the latest advancements in electronics and mechanical components. This is critical, says Moore, to keep up with the “necessary education” on the latest in crane designs. For staff and senior managers, it means being up to date on any changes the industry might throw at them. As Moore describes it, it might mean wrapping one's head around new crane technology, such as hoists that don’t come with mechanical load brakes or the move towards true vertical lift as standard. “There’s also European designs [entering the market] and having to replace cranes that are 25 years old,” he says. For those who want to stay competitive, intimates Moore, it means being able to communicate effectively. “We have to explain [to customers] between what is on spec and what is coming on the shelf.”
Not least, that’s because of the wide range of services crane operators offer in Tennessee. From training, operating, installation, modification and troubleshooting of everything from gantry cranes to traditional hoists to mezzanine framing and monorails – a hardly surprising offering. There are lots of opportunities in the Volunteer State after all, often backed by the state’s ambitions itself. As Moore says: “We see good things.” l
HSC see training as critical because – among other reasons – it can contribute to keeping the best talent. 32 Summer 2025 |
ochmagazine.com
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