Above: Republic Anode Fabricators performs design work, engineering, machining and fabrication services for a wide range of clients and end markets., including outdoor signage, fencing and railings.
January, 2026- From raw material to finished product, Republic Anode Fabricators (RAF) serves plating industries with a full spectrum of metal fabrication and service capabilities, including fullservice design, engineering, machining and fabrication. Established in 1987, the company continues to expand. Several years ago, RAF purchased a new production facility in Valley City, Ohio.
Parts and products ranging from 100 pounds to 900 pounds had to be moved and positioned by forklift or handled by team force because the building was not equipped with an overhead crane. As RAF General Manager Patrick Nicholson explains, “Even with forklifts, a lot of sweat equity was required. Sometimes it took several people to muscle parts around, which meant we had to take workers off one job to help someone working on another.” Safety was a concern, naturally, when using intense labor.
While forklift use is common among metal processing operations, forklift safety is a concern that is sometimes overlooked. For instance, it is easy for a forklift to tip over on ramps and sloped surfaces, whether the forklift is loaded or unloaded. Some think that because a forklift typically weighs more, it is much easier to brake than to stop an automobile. This is not true.
Other safety concerns common with forklifts include fuel leaks, exhaust fumes and worn brakes. According to OSHA, “Once every forklift passes a training and certification program that observes OSHA regulations, you’ve taken a major step toward fostering a safer workplace.”
Lifting heavy items is one of the leading causes of injury in the workplace. In 2016, musculoskeletal disorders involving the back accounted for 38.5 percent of all workrelated musculoskeletal disorders, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Reported shoulder injuries in 2020 totaled over 63,000. Overexertion and cumulative trauma are the biggest factors in such injuries. Bending, followed by twisting and turning, are commonly cited movements that cause back injuries. Strains and sprains from lifting loads improperly or from carrying loads that are too large or heavy are common hazards associated with manually moving materials. The heavier the load, the greater stress on the body.
When employees use smart lifting practices, they are less likely to suffer from back sprains, muscle pulls, wrist, elbow and spinal injuries and other physical problems caused by lifting heavy objects.
Nicholson noted that, “fortunately, we never experienced safety issues while handling materials in the past. But having said that, I think safety is always part of our decisionmaking process, and the company’s new crane installation was no exception. Having a solution that is both efficient and safe for employees as well as for the products we are moving is always the goal.”
EMH Crane sold an AL-System Workstation Crane to Republic Anode Fabricators, which is a flexible, mobile material handling solution.
WORKING SMARTER
EMH Crane, based in Valley City, Ohio, sold an AL-System Workstation Crane to RAF, which eliminated potential safety problems for its workers. AL-System Workstation Cranes provide companies a with a versatile and flexible solution that is easily positioned and installed after buildings are operational.
Built using lightweight aluminum track profiles, the cranes can be disassembled, moved and then reassembled as needs change.
EMH’s T-Slot design, anodized enclosed rails and anti-kick-up nylon wheels provided a maintenance-free installation. Because AL-System Workstation Cranes can handle parts and materials up to 2,000 pounds, it was the right solution for RAF to increase its productivity while also improving safety.
AL-System Cranes safely and efficiently accommodate a wide variety of lifters and handling devices. Their lightweight aluminum track profiles are easily configured to suit almost any application need. The anodized aluminum extrusions and enclosed rails maximize strength, providing longer durability.
Coated products need efficient, gentle handling while being processed.
Articulated anti-kick up wheels offer additional advantages. AL-System Cranes are articulating, meaning that they are free moving and do not require movement at right angles. This feature also provides smooth operation and a low starting force even when the load is at the end of the bridge. In addition, the nylon wheels deliver smooth and safe movement of the trolley inside the enclosed rail.
One of the most important advantages over other lightweight aluminum rail systems is an exclusive design for splicing two pieces of rail together. With EMH’s T-Slot design, installation with a wide variety of integrating equipment, such as lifters and end-effectors, chain hoists or smart lifters, is easy. The EMH T-Slot splice design also eliminates bumps when a load is moved over track splices.
Handling Concepts, Akron, Ohio, performed the installation for EMH Crane. The RFQ was submitted in November 2024 and the AL-System Workstation Crane was installed in April 2025 within only two days.
“Going from having nothing to having a fully functional and working crane system in just a couple of days was quite impressive,” says Nicholson.
INCREASING OUTPUT
While reducing the potential threat of injury was important, increasing material handling productivity was RAF’s immediate need and its main reason for the installation.
“Utilizing the overhead crane system to move product that was previously moved by hand has increased individual employee productivity by reducing common physical wear and fatigue that would set in over the course of a day, week or month,” Nicholson says. “Since the workstation crane has been installed, we have experienced additional units, parts and steps being completed on a regular basis. In turn, we have reduced lead times and increased output. It has been mutually beneficial, serving employees as well as our company. It’s something we are really excited about.
EMH Crane, 330/220-8600, emhcranes.com
Republic Anode Fabricators, 440/572-5999, republicanode.com
