Lifting Beam for Steel Coil Handling

Rockford, Illinois-based The Caldwell Group Inc. has engineered a 7.5-ton capacity, low-headroom multiple spread lifting beam that is helping JEC Service Company, Inc. handle steel coils with greater safety and precision.

Designed for use below-the-hook of a top-running double-girder crane system, the Model 20S beam plays a critical role in a fully integrated lifting solution supplied by Mass Crane & Hoist Services, Inc. Measuring 77 inches in length and featuring a custom single-pin bail, the beam is purpose-built to safely load 60-inch sheet metal coils into a Vicon coil processing machine.

At JEC’s sheet metal fabrication facility, where ductwork for the HVACR industry is produced, safety was the driving force behind the investment.

When vertical space is limited, solutions like Caldwell’s Model 20 multiple spread lifting beam don’t just improve workflow, they reduce risk.

“Our entire mission in purchasing this system was safety—minimizing hazards and keeping material handling contained within a controlled area,” said Al Seelig, head of sheet metal operations at JEC. “This beam delivered exactly what we needed.”

Each coil cradle handled by the crane weighs approximately 10,000 lbs., requiring consistent, reliable lifting performance as production demands shift. With limited headroom in the facility, maximizing vertical space was essential—not just for efficiency, but for safe operation.

That’s where Caldwell’s design made a measurable difference. JEC is the latest organization to benefit from the wide-ranging capabilities of what remains a standard line of beams.

“We engineered the crane system complete with columns and runways, but the challenge was ensuring JEC could safely maneuver coils within a confined space,” said Ryan Sullivan, project manager at Mass Crane. “Caldwell’s low-headroom beam allowed them to maximize hook height, making it possible to lift and position coils safely—even stacking one over another on the rack.”

To further enhance performance, Caldwell collaborated closely with Mass Crane to ensure seamless integration with the hoist system, modifying the connection point from a standard lifting eye to a single-pin bail to gain additional headroom where it mattered most.

When vertical space is limited, solutions like Caldwell’s Model 20 multiple spread lifting beam don’t just improve workflow, they reduce risk. By enabling safer positioning of heavy materials and minimizing unnecessary movement, the system supports a more controlled and efficient operation.

Notably, there are 150 sizes in the Model 20 / Model 20H family, with additional options for placement of holes, faspins, extra hooks, bail type, shackles, etc. This means that users can get thousands of combinations in a standard beam, eliminating the need to source a custom solution from the drawing board.

The Model 20 has 90-plus sizes, in capacities up to 40 tons and spreads up to 30 feet; the Model 20H is the same beam for higher capacities and has over 75 standard sizes, with options including extra shackles and swivel hooks, and a built-in stand. The Model 20HC, meanwhile, is available in 50 to 80-ton capacities with spreads from 10 to 20 feet. Fully custom-engineered products are also available.

The Caldwell Group engineered a 7.5-ton capacity, low-headroom multiple spread lifting beam for handling steel coils with greater safety and precision.

At JEC, the beam feeds into a Vicon coil line, which is a semi-automatic system that de-coils, punches, notches, shears, and roll-forms sheet metal into finished ductwork components. With each lift supporting both material and equipment, capacity and reliability are essential.

“The beam had to account for the weight of the coil, the spindle, and the lifting device itself,” Seelig added. “It’s a critical part of keeping our operation running safely and smoothly.”

With a long-standing legacy in manufacturing below-the-hook lifting solutions, The Caldwell Group, Inc. continues to deliver engineered equipment built around safety, reliability, and performance. By partnering with industry leaders like Mass Crane & Hoist Services, the company remains committed to advancing material handling practices—helping customers move critical loads with greater confidence, efficiency, and control.