Vulcan partnership gives William Hackett a lift

A lifting equipment manufacturer is expanding its international reach through a new partnership with a leading Canadian hoist specialist.

Northumberland-headquartered William Hackett, whose Alnwick facility has operated for 35 years, has agreed a strategic collaboration with Montreal-based Vulcan Hoist, combining its long-established chain and lifting expertise with Vulcan’s specialist electric hoist capabilities.

Bosses say the partnership will expand product availability across both markets, with Vulcan set to distribute William Hackett’s full range in Canada and the United States from 2026, beginning with its Quad Pawl hoists before growing the portfolio throughout the year.

They add that customers across energy, infrastructure, construction and commercial sectors will benefit from a broader product offer and enhanced service capability.

Mick Howard, chief executive at William Hackett, said: “This strategic partnership is the perfect fit for both parties. 

“Like William Hackett, Vulcan has a family-run ethos with strong family values and a customer-first approach. 

“By working together, we strengthen each other and most importantly, bring the benefits of a broader product range and enhanced stock availability to our clients worldwide.

“In addition, our existing teams can now draw from a larger pool of expertise and experience, to ensure the highest levels of customer service.”

Vulcan, founded as a limited company in 1964 but with origins dating back to 1947, is Canada’s only manufacturer of electric hoists and trolleys and also supplies manual lifting products and hoist servicing. 

Mick added: “The partnership with Vulcan Hoist will accelerate our plans for expansion into Canada, an important market for William Hackett. 

“It is also our goal to be a full-line provider of hoists and associated equipment.

“The ability to offer our global customer base electric hoists built with the same quality and care as our manual hoists and our recently launched pneumatic hoists, represents a major step forward in that strategy.”

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