19th Annual Crane Symposium

	Attendees of the symposium view a presentation.
	Presentation of the AIST 2012 Crane Innovation of the Year Award (left to right): Justin Mulch, Ultron Inc. (award winner); Damon Burrow, Nucor Steel–Texas and Cranes Technology Committee chair; and Mike Urbassik, EC&M and Cranes Technology Committee past chair.
	Attendees of the 19th Annual Crane Symposium enjoyed a dinner cruise on the Gateway Clipper Fleet (left to right): Jeff Gallagher, Jeff Wallace, Paul Wilkenson, Tyler Brooks and Andy Barnes, all of Nucor-Yamato Steel.

The 19th Annual Crane Symposium was held 10–12 June 2012 at the Sheraton Station Square Hotel in Pittsburgh, Pa. Crane users from various industries including steel, aluminum, nickel, railroad, and the Navy Crane Center were in attendance. It was an international gathering that included attendees from Canada, Japan, Russia, Germany, Italy, as well as the U.S. A total of 220 attendees were registered for this year’s event. This included 134 crane users from 31 different companies and 59 individual facilities. The largest company group represented was Nucor, with 35 attendees from 11 different plants. The second largest group was from United States Steel Corporation, with 12 attendees from 5 plants. ArcelorMittal USA was present with 11 people from 5 plants; and there were six representatives from both Vale Co., a Canadian nickel producer, and Ellwood Quality Steel. In addition to the other steel company representatives, the other industries were represented by CSX Transportation, North American Höganäs Inc., Constellium (ALCAN) and the Navy Crane Center.
Equipment suppliers in attendance included representatives from crane manufacturers, crane service suppliers, spare parts providers, engineering companies, crane inspection and construction companies.
As evidenced by 75% of the attendees having attended a prior Crane Symposium, the AIST Crane Symposium has consistently provided presentations on the latest in EOT crane technology, crane inspection programs, safety and ergonomic advancements, and maintenance case studies. The 2012 program again included presentations on each of those subjects as they relate to the electrical, mechanical and structural aspects of the EOT crane as used for heavy industries. The symposium represented the whole spectrum of the crane business. Specifically, the presenters included quality crane manufacturers and crane equipment producers, engineering supporters, crane and runway inspection and repair services, and crane training personnel (both operating and maintenance support). Ample time was permitted for the attendees to ask questions of the presenters, as well as to network with other like-minded attendees. With so many crane experts gathered in one location, an attendee could find a solution for any crane problem.
A highlight of the program was the presentation of the 2012 Crane Innovation of the Year to Justin Mulch from Ultron Inc. for the development and application of eddy current examinations of gearing systems — a significant cost-savings inspection program to limit the downtime of the crane for mechanical inspections.