OZ Lifting to Officially Open New Facility

OZ Lifting Products LLC will host a Grand Opening of its new facility in Winona, Minnesota on Tuesday October 7, including an official ribbon-cutting, led by the Winona Area Chamber of Commerce and its Ambassadors.

OZ Lifting, a manufacturer of davit cranes and industrial lifting equipment, was inaugurated in December, 2004 with two staff; today, it has 30 full-time employees and a global distributor network. The new facility sits on a five-acre lot and is primed to facilitate further expansions; it is the fourth time the company has relocated.

The Innovation Drive facility will be officially opened at 3 p.m. by Christie Ransom, Chamber President and CEO, who will present Steve Napieralski, President at OZ Lifting, with a commemorative plaque. Napieralski will be joined by his wife, Jane, and other family members; plus, representatives of the company’s leadership team. Also, in attendance at the 40,000 sq. ft. site will be Minnesota Senator Jeremy Miller, who owns local firm Miller Scrap & Disposal; representatives of local universities and colleges; selected trade press; and local dignitaries.

OZ Lifting will open its new 40,000 sq. ft. facility on Innovation Drive in Winona, Minnesota on Tuesday October 7.

Napieralski, a graduate of Winona State University, said: “Our move to the new Innovation Drive facility has been a real step forward — and to formally open it among such esteemed company is a landmark moment in our history. The building is four times larger than our previous space, which has given us room to grow and work more efficiently. Winona is a small community and it’s exciting that we will continue to be able to call it home.”

VIP guests and media will congregate at 10 a.m. to enjoy refreshments and a private guided tour. Doors will open to the public at noon, with lunch provided by local food truck, Chef’s Table. Further tours will take place ahead of the formal opening ceremony, starting with an overview of the company’s 21-year history. Guests will be guided through the lifecycle of a product, beginning with research and development in engineering, moving into prototyping and validation testing, then on through manufacturing, assembly, rigging, quality assurance load testing, and finally shipping.

Steve Napieralski, President at OZ Lifting.

Product demonstrations

Visitors will interact with a variety of davit cranes and base styles, along with hoists, clamps, trolleys, and winches. Recent innovations include the 250-lb. capacity parapet davit crane base, which is compatible with the XR Series 250 davit crane, and can be temporarily installed on rooftops without causing damage on installation or removal. Attendees will be able to see the Tele-Pro davit crane, leveraging the benefits of the company’s other davits, while telescoping the boom in and out under load; and the Alumi-Lite davit, crafted from lightweight aerospace-grade aluminum, and offering exceptional durability without compromising on ease of transport.

“We’re encouraging our employees to invite friends and family,” continued Napieralski. “It’s a chance for them to share what they do every day and show off the new location. While this facility was originally a kayak factory, we are transforming it to highlight our commitment to innovation and safety.

The new facility sits on a five-acre lot.

“A former water-testing pit in the warehouse is being reimagined as a dedicated live-lift testing area. Plans include a mezzanine, product testing stand, and a monorail for operator fall protection. These additions will significantly advance our in-house testing capabilities and strengthen the reliability and safety standards our products are known for.”

Guests will get a chance to meet Trace Erickson, a former law enforcement officer, who guides OZ Lifting-funded dogs through the Code Blue K9 program. OZ Lifting, a serial philanthropist, has committed to funding training for a new police dog every year.

The building is four times larger than the previous facility.

Napieralski added: “It’s going to be a momentous occasion; we can’t wait. Early fall is when the Winona Driftless River Valley truly shines, so out-of-town guests are in for a treat. October typically brings classic Midwestern fall weather — cool, crisp days, with chilly nights. Expect a mix of sunshine, billowy clouds, and light breezes, with the Mississippi River bluffs displaying their seasonal colors.”

• For more information on OZ Lifting Products visit http://www.OZLiftingProducts.com