Leenz History Article 2011

1. The industry took a huge turn in the 1970’s with
Lifting up the past the introduction of production made Grade 80
(known then as Grade T) chain sling componentry.
Emma Jeffery Components such as hooks and master links were
supplied with more consistent quality while this
The Lifting Industry in New Zealand has type of production allowed the innovation of
made great leaps ahead in the last products such as shortening clutches. A Blacksmith
century. From blacksmith forged hooks forging job became a simpler task of assembly, and
to the introduction of synthetic slings - a variety of product was more readily available –
we take a look at the innovations, which was supplied already tested with individual
hurdles and trends that have impacted certification.
on the construction world over the last
100 years.
Back in the early 1900’s two names were
pioneering the lifting equipment industry we know
today. Competition was limited due to the import
licencing laws, John Shaw NZ Limited and Cookes
New Zealand Wire Rope Company (Bridon New
Zealand) were the go to places for your rigging and
lifting equipment.
Lifting chains were made from Grade 30 mild steel,
hooks and components were forged and sourced
via local blacksmiths. The opening of the Cookes
Ropery in 1961 meant that imported wire rope
was not the only option and variants of design and
length enabled the industry to react to specific job
requirements.
Construction of the Empire state Building 1933. Lewis Wicke
The development and introduction of Japanese Hines
manufactured brands such as Kito and Elephant
came in the 1970’s and 1980’s; Taiwanese brands Another leap in innovation was made in the 1990’s
as international company Spanset released a range
followed later in the 1990’s. The new products
of synthetic web and round slings. This provoked
were met with some hesitation from a market that suspicion about durability and susceptibility to
traditionally sourced and used British damage; experienced workers were often heard
manufactured product and were sceptical of the saying “you couldn’t hit this with a hammer”. The
new brands’ quality. use of synthetic material lead to a demise of the
12mm manila lashing rope, which was replaced by
Import licencing laws also changed in these the now commoditised webbing truck tiedown.
decades and barriers to market entry lowered.
Nowadays we are used to the mobile testing vans
Here we saw the founding of long standing
and digitalised reports from load testing. Over the
companies we still know today – IED (then RM
years as technology has shaped the industry, a
Aitken & Son), DM Standen Limited and Chain &
greater importance has been placed on training
Rigging Supplies all joined the industry bringing
and workplace safety – far from the days of the
new faces and broader supply options to
Empire State building construction in 1931.
consumers.
Continuing research and development provides
The companies – competitors – banded together
users with lighter gear with higher ratings, safer
to form LEENZ in 1992. The Lifting Equipment
products and more practical work methods –
Engineers of New Zealand organisation would later
become a key player in the evolvement of training what will we see in the next 100 years?
while cementing itself as an information and
advice centre point for the wider industry and
government departments.