Steel Distributor Returns to NAI for Additional Overhead Cranes Systems

June 2010

Woburn , Massachusetts – North American Industries (NAI) was chosen by Valley Iron Inc. to design, manufacture and install overhead bridge crane components and runway electrification systems for its new steel service center in Vacaville, California. Valley Iron, headquartered in Fresno, California, is now the largest independent, family-owned metal service center in central and northern California. It opened the 86,000 square foot Vacaville distribution facility in the second quarter of 2010. This new facility has allowed Valley Iron to expand its service area from Bakersfield to the California/Oregon state line.

In 2003, Valley Iron purchased overhead bridge cranes from NAI for its Fresno, CA facility. NAI has provided services and parts to Valley Iron since that time and was pleased to provide the new crane components and runway electrification systems in support of Valley Iron’s continued growth.

As part of the Vacaville project, NAI was asked to provide components for four 5-ton bridge cranes, one 3-ton bridge crane and electrification for over 850 feet of runway. These cranes are used to move steel components throughout the facility and assist in loading and unloading trucks. Valley Iron has been able to increase its productivity with the installation of 11 overhead cranes from NAI. The overhead cranes allow the material to be maneuvered more easily through the facility and provide more efficient use of the space and greater access to materials, allowing for faster order throughput.

Jay Phillips, Operations Manager of Valley Iron states, “Working with North American Industries has been great. The first installation went smoothly. When it came time to purchase additional cranes for the new steel service center, we went right back to NAI. The price and the service made our choice very easy.”

John Silva, Project Manager from North American Industries, adds, “The Valley Iron-Vacaville project went very smoothly. Because Valley Iron communicated well with us and because of our well-developed project management process, we were able to meet and exceed their expectations. We look forward to continued successful projects with Valley Iron.”

NAI is a leading manufacturer of industrial overhead crane systems, including bridge cranes, gantry cranes, monorails, jib cranes, and custom-engineered systems. With its large, experienced engineering group, technical sales force and over 40 years of manufacturing expertise, NAI is well-positioned to handle the needs of a diverse range of end users. NAI designs, manufactures and installs crane components and crane systems for the military and municipalities as well as large and small operating businesses on a global basis. The Company is a member of the CMAA (Crane Manufacturers Association of America) and MHIA (Material Handling Industry of America), and its crane systems are frequently featured in Hoist and Overhead Crane & Hoist magazines.