Lift Systems History

1979  The first telescopic hydraulic gantry was manufactured and put into service by Gary Lorenz, President of Daniel Ham Heavy Rigging & Transport (St. Louis, Missouri) 

1980  The second telescopic hydraulic gantry was manufactured and put into service by Gary Lorenz, President of Linden Lorenz Rigging Company (Davenport, Iowa). At that time, Riggers Manufacturing was formed by Gary Lorenz to provide gantries to other rigging companies while he continued his local rigging business. 

1983  Gary Lorenz sold his interest in Riggers Manufacturing and established Lift Systems in Davenport, Iowa. Lift Systems patented the (four point) modular telescopic hydraulic gantry design. 

1984  Lift Systems relocated to a larger manufacturing facility in Moline, Illinois. Gary Lorenz discontinued his rigging and contracting business to concentrate on manufacturing specialized lift equipment. 

1987  Lift Systems introduced Mobilifts and Twinlifts, a new product line designed to pick and carry. The capacities ranged from 30 to 50 ton for the first machines. Additional capacities available today are 20 ton and 75 ton. Lift Systems expanded the hydraulic gantry line to capacities ranging from 20 ton to 1,000 ton. 

1992  Lift Systems manufactured the first Power Tower, boom style system with outside and inside cylinders. Lift Systems patented the Power Tower design. 

1994  Lift Systems added an industrial carry deck product line through a subsidiary company, Mobile Lift, Inc. The carry deck product line was manufactured at Lift Systems' Moline facility until 1998 when Lift Systems Canada (Woodstock, Ontario) became the sole manufacturing location for this product line.

Lift Systems purchased the assets of Badger Hydraulics, a cylinder manufacturer. This new division was formed as Mobile Cylinders Inc. The cylinders were manufactured at a facility in Muckwonago, Wisconsin. Lift Systems attained quality control and lead time control through the formation of this division. 

1997    Mobile Cylinders relocated to a larger facility in East Moline, Illinois. The East Moline facility is utilized to manufacture cylinders for Lift Systems and other companies. Lift System's mobile product line (Mobilifts and Twinlifts) is also manufactured at the East Moline facility. The telescopic hydraulic gantry line continues to be manufactured at the Moline Facility.

Lift Systems entered the nuclear cask transporter business with the design and sale of the first Lift Systems Cask Transporter to Virginia Electric Power Company. 

1998  Lift Systems introduced the TF55 heavy-duty telescopic forklift, a new product line designed to compete with vertical mast industrial forklifts. The TF55 is manufactured at Lift Systems' East Moline facility. 

1999  Lift Systems added a 45 ton model to its Mobilift product line. 

2000  Lift Systems received ISO9001 certification in July 2000. Lift Systems introduced the TRL115T Industrial Trailer. 

2001  The next generation, Gary Lorenz's daughter, Lisa M. Janis, becomes President of the firm. Janis has been with Lift Systems for 15 years and has served in various capacities relative to Sales, Marketing, Service and Administration. Lift Systems also introduced the TF4560, a new product line designed to pick and carry. Lift Systems continues to expand available product lines to meet customer's need. Lift Systems founder Gary Lorenz also served as the first Allied Member President of the SC&RA.