CMCO Pledges Support to ESTA Technical Standards Program

Columbus McKinnon Corporation (CMCO), a global manufacturer of electric chain hoist and rigging products, has pledged its support for ESTA’s Technical Standards Program by becoming a Visionary level “Investor in Innovation.” By making a five-year pledge of $10,000 per year, Columbus McKinnon is helping to ensure the survival of a program that they have long championed.

On announcing the sponsorship, Ken Tilson, vertical market specialist—entertainment, said: “Columbus McKinnon is excited about the opportunity to support ESTA’s TSP which is vitally important for the entertainment industry. The TSP members are entertainment subject matter experts who develop and create industry-specific technical standards and recommended best practices. CMCO specifically participates in the Rigging Working Group and has actively done so for many years. We are committed to doing our part to support the health and stability of the ESTA TSP allowing the organization to continue to develop standards that are essential to promoting safety within our industry.”

Ken Tilson, vertical market specialist—entertainment, CMCO; Lori Rubinstein, ESTA executive director; Mike Garl, co-chair Technical Standards Council; and Kurt Wozniak, vice president—Americas CMCO.

Mike Garl, co-chair of the Technical Standards Council, responded: “When ESTA began the Technical Standards Program in 1994 Columbus McKinnon was among the participants willing to provide their expertise and guidance. Over the years the continued involvement and dedication of the CMCO team has been instrumental in growing the program into what it has developed into today. By becoming an Investor in Innovation at the highest level, Columbus McKinnon has once again demonstrated their enduring commitment to safety in the entertainment industry and to the future of the TSP.”

ESTA’s ANSI-accredited Technical Standards Program brings together hundreds of subject matter experts from around the world to create standards and recommended practices that increase safety and improve interoperability. The TSP has over 50 published standards, with more in development, that help solve problems and make life safer and easier for those working in the entertainment technology and related industries.