Star Crane and Hoist, a family-owned crane and hoist sales and service company, has opened a new branch in South Bend, Indiana, their ninth location. The new branch aims to provide local employment opportunities and serve the automotive, steel, and trailer industries in the region. As the company continues to expand across the Midwest, it prioritizes high-quality customer service, including a two-hour maximum response time for technicians, and extensive training for all employees, with an apprenticeship program requiring 6,000 hours of certification.

1. News Release
For Immediate Release
November 15, 2016
Contact: Ellis Lunchies, Human Resources and Business Development (616) 540-2347,
ellisl@onecranesource.com
Family Owned Crane Business Expands Workforce Across the Midwest
New Location in South Bend
SOUTH BEND, Ind. — The Derks family owned, business to business company, Star Crane and
Hoist, opened up their ninth branch in South Bend, Indiana earlier this year. This branch, known as
their Tri-State location, sells cranes and hoists as well as fosters local employment opportunities.
“We interact with the community to provide solid services and employment, said CEO Craig
Derks. Although the business is family owned, we hire from outside the Derks family as well. We
find local individuals to fill our employment needs and provide a living wage that is competitive for
the position.”
Star Crane and Hoist prides themselves in two specific things customer service and training.
They’re available to provide 24/7 customer service which includes a two-hour response time. The
response time policy was created to aid customers who might be facing technical difficulties on the
job and need immediate help. Star crane technicians are required to arrive on the scene in two hours
max.
The training their technicians have to undergo is certified by The Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) and takes about 6,000 hours to complete.
“Traditionally, we like having one or two ‘apprentices’ being trained at each location by the seasoned
service technicians,” said Derks. “This allows the apprentice to develop in a good environment where
they can learn our culture as a company and our standards for service.”
Although Star Crane and Hoist services any industry in need of a crane or a hoist, the South Bend
branch has been most involved with the automotive, steel, and trailer industries thus far. The new
branch has used word of mouth to reach new customers on top of their already existent clientele.
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About Star Crane and Hoist
Star Crane and Hoist is a family owned business that began in 1985 with Larry Derks. The Star
Crane & Hoist family spreads across Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio with nine different branch
locations. Every branch consists of service technicians, fabricator welders, field engineers,
estimators, a sales department, and a branch manager who are highly trained and certified for
maximum customer satisfaction. For business inquires, visit their websites contact forum here:
http://www.onecranesource.com/contacts.php or call Ellis Luchies at (616) 892- 5500 Ext. 37.