Modulift are pleased to announce that Delta Rigging & Tools have become the latest Distributor to come on board in North America, covering 10 states including Texas, New Mexico, Colorado and Louisiana.

Recognising the wide range of uses for modular spreader beams, Delta’s stock includes the whole range from the QJ lifting 2 tons at 4ft to the MOD 400 lifting between 200 and 700 tons at spans up to 76ft, providing all customers with fast delivery times and direct local contacts.

Delta are including a rental division as part of their distributor service, to encourage people to try Modulift Spreader Beams before they invest in their own stock.

James Kowalik, President of Delta Rigging & Tools, said “We are delighted to be representing Modulift. The engineering design behind the products makes it the ultimate choice for lifting professionals. As well as standard product enquiries, we are already receiving additional enquiries for custom designed products, as people desperately want the level of engineering Modulift can offer.”

In a time of financial uncertainty and a decline in engineering orders by 5.2% , one company is thriving. Global engineering company Modulift is experiencing its busiest period ever, and as a result is expanding its production division, alongside developing new distribution channels.
“The number of enquiries for custom designed products has continued to grow, flouting the current economic slowdown,” says Sarah Spivey, CEO of Modulift. “In order to keep up with customer demand, we are expanding our engineering division in order to concentrate on research and product development. This is a very exciting development, as we are planning on expanding our product range to include high capacity lifting beams, link bar systems, trunnion shackles and sling release systems. For our customers, this means greater convenience, reduced expense and quicker rigging times.”
With over 20 years experience in both onshore and offshore lifting, Modulift believe that its team are extremely well placed to provide the technical knowledge to advise customers what their best options are. Whether there is an offset centre of gravity or they require multiple-point lifts, more customers are discovering that they have complex requirements that standard lifting solutions can’t accommodate.
“When bespoke products are required, we work very closely with the customer to develop a mutually agreeable solution that meets both their budget and technical needs,” continues Sue Caples, Modulift’s Operations Director. “We are also planning on doubling the size of our current team, enabling us to answer customer enquiries even more quickly than before.”

Always looking for opportunities to expand into new markets, global engineering company Modulift were delighted when they went mining and struck granite!
Granitos Iberica, one of the biggest granite companies in Spain were having major problems with the lifting of their granite blocks. The process used was damaging the blocks due to the stresses the blocks were put under.
Modulift were able to identify the problem quickly. “Granitos Iberica were using 2 single leg bridle chain slings in a twin basket sling arrangement with shortening hooks at the top to adjust for each sized stone” says Paul Ryder, a Design Engineer with Modulift. “This arrangement was unsuitable for lifting blocks in a variety of sizes, as the sling angles were vastly increased. The included sling angle at the top of the lifting rig was highly undesirable, approaching 120° in some cases. This caused damage by crushing the blocks and caused higher stress in the chain slings.”
By choosing a Modulift spreader beam, lighter chain slings were required and the sling angles were improved, providing a more stable and safer lift. An additional advantage of using the Modulift spreader is the ability to adjust the size of the spreader to lift different sized blocks; the modular configuration allows operators to position the drop slings more accurately and more safely. Using the drop slings in a vertical basket sling arrangement also causes less damage to the stone blocks, which reduces fiscal loss – a factor which pleased Granitos Iberica.
The success of the solution was clear to see. The spreader beam was rented for two weeks for Granitos Iberica to trial, and to see if it would fulfil their needs. Three weeks later they purchased the beam, as it was felt that this was a safer, more convenient way to lift.
Modulift are the first company to make modular spreader beams widely available to a global market, and in Spain the trend for this solution throughout the Spanish mining industry is growing, with both Granitos Levantina and Granitos Granilouro now following in the footsteps of Granitos Iberica.
Joe Chavez of Modulift’s Spanish and Portugese Distributor Pescaira S.L. says: “We are delighted that Modulift Spreader Beams are making their way into the Spanish mining industry. Their modular system makes them reusable for a number of different loads, making them incredibly cost effective. The Spanish market has realised that Modulift Spreaders are the best option due to the cost reductions in damaged stone”.

A surge of enquiries for Spreader Systems which can carry long loads of up to 100 metres, has resulted in the expansion of the Modulift product range to include Modular Lattice Systems, which can now lift loads of up to 300 tonnes at 100 metres.

Originally developed for lifting roofing sheets, the demand for the new systems is being driven by the wind energy industry globally, with their need to find new solutions for installing their ever lengthening wind turbine blades and the increasing requirements for offshore installations with the development of much longer and heavier monopoles , columns and structural foundations.

The development process has been slow with a number of problems which had to be overcome. Asymmetric centres of gravity, minimum sling heights between hook and spreader, as well as the modular requirement for transportation of a beam up to 100 metres and longer all needed to be taken into consideration, resulting in innovative engineering to develop the right product for the needs and demands of those desperately seeking a cost effective solution for their problem. The lattice design enables weight to be drastically reduced when compared to a typical spreader made of tube or I section beam. This can be critical when selecting a crane as the available cranes are often working at the limit of their capacity. Reducing weight of such large pieces of lifting equipment can help reduce installation costs.

The Modular Lattice System works in a similar fashion to a truss beam but with the additional safety demands for a lifting environment. The dynamic effects of movement with the larger loads on these very long lifting structures is a significant consideration which had to be addressed before releasing any designs to the market.

Sue Caples, who developed the system i said “we have been working closely with the wind energy industry over the past few months to develop a number of solutions, not only for the transporting and installing of the blades but also for the columns. As their industry develops, the need for producing new lifting solutions has grown massively and we are proud to have designed and engineered what appears to be a popular solution due to its light weight and cost effective structural integrity over the length of the unit”.

Sue continued, “The next phase is to develop a solution for the nacelles and we have our team of engineers working on this now. When this is finished we will be able to offer the wind energy industry a complete package of lifting solutions for transportation and installation”.

If you would like more information on the Modulift range please contact the Head Office on: +44 (1)202 621511

With the increase in demand in the lifting industry for the ability to produce DNV approved products, Modulift are proud to announce that they have just completed their second bespoke Spreader System with full DNV product approval.

As part of the approval process Modulift underwent a series of inspections on design, manufacture and testing to gain certification for their Spreaders in the following categories; conformity for manufacture and testing, and design review.

Both Spreader Systems are to be used on the Pluto LNG Project in Western Australia.
Woodside’s A$12 billion Pluto LNG Project is set to become the fastest developed LNG project from discovery of the gas field in 2005 to first gas in late 2010.
Approved for development in July 2007, the foundation project will process gas from the Pluto and Xena gas fields, located in the Carnarvon Basin about 190 km north-west of Karratha, Western Australia

Sarah Spivey, CEOof Modulift Group commented, “Following the successful delivery of the DNV certified spreaders for Pluto LNG, we are delighted that we are now introducing the Modulift 271 range to answer the requests for higher specification products for demanding environment of marine lifting”.

“The Modulift 271 range is supplied as standard with a test certificate, a certificate of conformity and is designed for temperature conditions down to -20C. It is also available off the shelf”.

For those customers who require the ultimate in certification and quality control for the most rigorous project specification, Modulift also offer a Spreader System manufactured to a design approved by DNV and witnessed by DNV surveyors throughout the fabrication process and proof load testing. The Spreader Systems are supplied with a design review report and certificate of conformity for manufacture and testing, issued by DNV.

If you would like more information on the Modulift range please contact the UK Office on: +44 (1)202 621511 or the USA office on +1 412 638 6688

Modulift, have been chosen by the UK armed forces to supply their spreader beam systems for a variety of lifting applications throughout the UK. Optimised for weight at every size, the unique capabilities of the modular system add to its benefits through easier and more manoeuvrable ground handling, easy build and storage capabilities and with a range of components to make up the
spreader, gives it a multi-use feature and a cost-effective solution over a range of lifts. An ideal system for the Royal Navy where cost, flexibility and storage are necessary requirements.
With safety also being of paramount importance, lifting equipment is strictly regulated to meet with all Royal Navy safety
and design regulations and each Modulift Spreader Beam series has been proof load tested in the Modulift compression
test lift.
The Royal Navy Training School, based in Portsmouth, trains all new recruits to use the Modulift system for lifts where
there is a need to prevent horizontal compression forces being transmitted into the structure. Whether it be for lifting a Rigid
Raider assault boat, a reel of cable wire, or for use during ongoing installation, maintenance and engine room work, the
Modulift Spreader Beam system provides the Royal Navy with the flexible solution.
Mark Lilley, who trains the Navy in lifting applications comments “With its unique flexibility, which means the Spreader systems can be used over a range of lifts and it’s lightweight structure, the Modulift Spreader Beams are ideal for the Navy as they offer compact storage capabilities and are easy to transport around the ship.”
The newly launched QJ2 which packs neatly into a briefcase is fast becoming a pre-requisite for all ships and can be used for all lifts up to 2 tonnes – ideal for machinery installation and maintenance work. Meanwhile, the Mod 50 System has been used for lifting and handling Tornado fighters at the Naval maintenance base in South Wales, UK for some 10 years.
BVT Surface Fleet, the leading designers and manufacturers of surface warships and support vessels, use the Modulift Spreader Beam Systems for a variety of applications during the construction of their military vessels.  From the heavy and super-heavy range, the Mod 110s and 250s are used during the manufacture of Naval Friggits and aircraft carriers whilst from the portable range, the Mod 12s are used in the fabrication of small components. In other areas, DML’s Royal dockyard, Devonport, has been using the Mod 12s for low level nuclear applications and the design for a 16 beam multi-rig application for the lift of a 420 tonne mine sweeper has just been completed, awaiting approval.
The Modulift range comprises 16 systems, which provide lifting capacity for weights between 2 – 3000 tonnes and lengths
from 200mm – 53m. The system is used for the smallest maintenance work to the largest lifting jobs in many industry
sectors. Modulift currently has sales and rental customers in the construction, maritime, offshore, oil & gas, industrial and
aerospace industries. All utilise the modular system to enable the lifting of various loads, without the need to buy or rent new
spreader beams for every different job.

When planning to lift a bulky and often heavy load, lifting beams are often the first thought for a steel lifting device. They can spread the slings connecting to the load and are compact in height as there are no top slings to accommodate in the lifting rig. However more often than not the overall weight of the lift needs to be considered to accommodate the maximum weight the crane being used can lift.

At this point the lifting beam meets it’s limitations as they are constructed from extremely heavy steel beams designed to withstand the bending forces generated within the lifting beam itself.

In these cases spreaders provide a much better solution. Their unique design minimises the need for the beam to do the work through it’s construction and instead resists the compression forces generated by the sling geometry. They are lighter and cheaper, using less steel to create a more economic lift.

They enable the slings to connect to large and bulky objects in a vertical attitude and so prevent horizontal compression forces being transmitted into the structure being lifted where there is a danger of the load being crushed.

When long lifting distance are required using a crane at an extreme reach for heavy loads, spreader beams provide the ultimate solution and are routinely used to minimise weight to keep within the restrictions of a cranes capacity, spread the sling forces around very bulky items and can lift thousands of tonnes in weight.

Modulift spreaders are optimised for weight at every size. The unique capabilities of the Modular system add to it’s benefits through easier and more manoeuvrable ground handling, easy build and storage capabilities and with a range of components to make up the spreader, gives it a multi-use feature and a cost-effective solution over a range of lifts.

The Modulift range comprises 16 systems, which provide lifting capacity for weights between 2 – 3000 tonnes and lengths from 200mm – 53m. The system is used for the smallest maintenance work to the largest lifting jobs in many industry sectors. Modulift currently has sales and rental customers in the construction, maritime, offshore, oil & gas, industrial and aerospace industries. All utilise the modular system to enable the lifting of various loads, without the need to buy or rent new spreader beams for every different job.

When Al Jaber was required to move a pressure vessel for an oil and gas company, they called on Modulift for their specialist knowledge and technology to help them ensure a safe lift. At 1250 tonnes, this load has catapulted Modulift into the super heavy weight lift market with their spreader beams and the range of products just keeps growing with global demand setting the pace.
With safety being of paramount importance, lifting equipment is strictly regulated to meet with all safety and design regulations and each Modulift Spreader Beam series has been proof load tested in the Modulift compression test lift. With this particular load being so great, the existing test rig was upgraded to be able to proof load test to the maximum safe working load and span and now has the capability to test up to 3000 tonnes making it the biggest testing rig of it’s kind in the world.
Whilst this spreader beam was made for a bespoke lift, it certainly won’t sit in the corner of a yard never to be seen again. The design of the modulift spreader is such that it can now go on to undertake many more lifts up to the same weight and by buying a full set of beams comprising of different lengths, Al Jaber have also got the flexibility for a range of spans within this.
Bespoke heavy lift requirements are becoming an every day request for Modulift and whilst in the Middle East ,the super heavy lifts are the norm, a request for a custom designed spreader beam which can lift wind turbine blades is just the latest example of what’s happening in Europe.
At the other end of the scale, Modulift’s latest product, the Quickjoint is capable of lifts up to 4 tonnes and creates new, easier work procedures with the ability to select, carry and use appropriate lifting equipment in machinery assembly, installation and maintenance. It’s latest requirement though was to help lift a hot tub over someone’s house for installation in the garden.

As part of their global expansion plans, Modulift are pleased to announce that Cableco-American Rigging is now an exclusive distributor for the West Coast of America providing customers with fast delivery times and direct local contacts with a company who deal with all aspects of below the hook rigging.
With rising steel and oil prices, the ability to have a light, reusable, flexible modular system that can be loaded on to standard transportation is an attractive option to those looking to save money over a number of lifts. Easy storage capabilities and the weight and span range of each of the products have made Modulift Spreader beams the number one choice around the world.
Sarah Spivey, CEO of Modulift Inc commented It’s the high levels of design and innovation that has gone into the development of our unique modular system that makes Modulift such an attractive solution for companies like Cableco-American Rigging”.
Sarah continued, “We are very proud to be able to supply Cableco-American Rigging as our latest key distributor of the Modulift product range in California, Arizona and Nevada and we will be working hard to help them in the development of the market.
Modulift Inc is keen to talk to other businesses who feel they could become a key distributor in the US and Canada. For further information please contact Sarah Spivey on +1 412 436 6162

Modulift, the company behind the internationally renowned modular spreader system of the same name, recently delivered two orders of Modulift spreaders complete with lifting accessories to the UK operation of Atlas Copco, a world leading provider of compressed air productivity solutions. Atlas Copco has utilised the Modulift sets to assist with the transportation of two compressed air packages shipped to different projects in Nigeria. Following the successful use of the system, Modulift has just received a further order from the company, making it the third this year.
Atlas Copco’s two compressed air packages will provide instrument and utility air to the Gbaran Ubie Central Oil and Gas processing facility and the Kolo Creek Oil / NAG manifold for Shell Petroleum. Three different sized Modulift spreader sets have been used to aid the loading and unloading of the equipment during transportation as well as assisting with installation onsite.
We are pleased with the performance of the Modulift equipment, having successfully loaded the compressed air packages on to the shipping vessel in a safe and controlled manner, comments Colin Messias, Contracts Engineer at Atlas Copco Compressors in Hemel Hempstead .Thanks to its modular components, the system is ideal for loads of different shapes and size and was specifically chosen for our projects due to the flexibility provided by Modulift’s ability to accommodate different lifting configurations, enabling the equipment to easily be re-used for other lifts.
The two orders consisted of a Modulift 12 set complete with different sized green pin bow shackles as well as several wire rope slings, to offer a maximum load capacity of 12 tonnes at 3 metres. As part of the company’s portable range, these components are suitable for manual handling and provide a fast and efficient assembly for every lift.
From the heavy range, the second order included a Modulift 50 spreader and a Modulift 70H spreader as part of a wider lifting package comprising of green pin bow shackles, wire rope slings, end units and drop links. A Modulift 50 provides a maximum load capacity of 50 tonnes at 6 metres and the Modulift 70H lifts a maximum load of 100 tonnes at 6 metres.
The spreader beams and drop links underwent stringent load testing using our custom built test rig to ensure the lifting configurations met the demands of the specific projects. In addition, as Atlas Copco supplied each compressed air package on a fabricated skid, we weighed the skid to establish the centre of gravity in order to determine the exact length the wire rope