Olympic Steel approached T&M Cranes to help modernize critical lifting operations and eliminate the frequent production halts caused by unreliable equipment. Doing so required a custom-engineered approach to maintaining and replacing large-scale overhead cranes with unique operational demands.

Our custom lifting solutions proved essential to improving production uptime while reducing the high costs associated with emergency repairs on competitor brands. Instead of relying on off-the-shelf components, our focus was on engineering heavy-duty machinery around real-world steel fabrication constraints.

Together, Olympic Steel and T&M’s design team developed a long-term strategy to resolve immediate downtime challenges, ensure regulatory compliance, and support a 25-year partnership built on trust.

The Challenge: Frequent Breakdowns Halting Production

In the steel industry, a downed crane results in a complete halt in production. Olympic Steel faced a critical challenge when Bob previously spent over $2M on parts and labor to maintain unreliable cranes from competitor brands.

Frequent breakdowns and compliance issues, often marked by “red marks” on inspections, cost the company significant time and money. Olympic Steel required a partner who could provide more than just equipment. They needed a comprehensive solution that included reliable machinery, expert maintenance, and around-the-clock support to keep production moving.

The Solution: Custom Manufacturing and Expert Overhauls

T&M Cranes transformed operations at Olympic Steel by replacing failing machinery with high-performance, in-house builds. Our design engineers worked closely with the team to define specific operational needs and long-term production goals.

The comprehensive solution included custom manufacturing, modernization, and proactive maintenance:

  • Custom manufacturing. T&M built a custom gantry crane six years ago that remains in reliable operation today. We also manufactured two 20-ton overhead cranes to replace failing competitor brands. We build every system correctly from the start. This approach minimizes future repair needs and operational stress.
  • Modernization and overhaul. Our team retrofitted older cranes with remote control systems to improve operator safety. We performed major overhauls, including all-new brakes and drums on existing equipment. These efforts extended the life of legacy systems through expert engineering.
  • Proactive maintenance. T&M performs annual hoist cable changes to ensure peak performance. We conduct monthly compliance inspections that have shifted results from “red marks” to a “sea of green lights.” Our 24/7 emergency support includes 9 PM calls and weekend service to maintain production schedules.

The Result: Zero Downtime and Regulatory Peace of Mind

The transition to T&M’s custom systems delivered immediate financial and operational relief for Olympic Steel. By replacing subpar machinery with robust, in-house builds, the facility effectively eliminated the $2M annual drain on parts and labor. Although our equipment comes with a comprehensive warranty, the high quality of workmanship ensures that technical failures are rare.

Regulatory standing has also seen a complete turnaround. Monthly inspections now consistently return “green lights.” This status guarantees total compliance with industry safety standards and removes the legal stress previously caused by red-mark violations. With 24/7 availability and expert diagnostics from Service Manager Chris Koller, Olympic Steel now maintains a rigorous production schedule without the threat of unexpected crane failure.

Project outcomes at the Olympic Steel facility included:

  • Substantial cost reductions. We eliminated over $2M in wasted maintenance spending by replacing poorly-built competitor equipment.
  • Full regulatory compliance. The plant achieved a 100% success rate in monthly safety inspections with consistent “green light” results.
  • Enhanced operator safety. Modernization efforts, including remote control retrofits, significantly reduced physical risks for floor personnel.
  • Guaranteed production uptime. Our night-and-day emergency support provides the reliability essential for continuous heavy fabrication.

“When the crane is down, production is down. T&M provides the reliable product and the night-and-day availability essential to our success.” – Robert Ashley, Maintenance Manager, Olympic Steel

An Engineering Partner Committed to Success

These results reinforce our role as a dedicated engineering partner. For over 25 years, Bob Ashley has trusted T&M Cranes because we consistently deliver what matters most: reliable equipment and expert service.

Contact us or request a quote today to discover how T&M Cranes can transform your operations with custom-engineered lifting systems and unmatched service excellence.