Automotive Manufacturing and Service

ATI manufactures custom tooling lifts, work positioning equipment, and products that aid in plant maintenance, production efficiency, testing, and assembly line support. Our clients include manufacturing plants as well as Tier 1 suppliers.

We can manufacture unique pieces of equipment for very specific needs, as well as custom and modified equipment, and standard products. We’re a one-stop shop for lifting equipment in the automotive industry.

Specific Automotive Manufacturing and Service projects have included:

ATI has designed a unique short RBC-4000-SPBW Reversible Mobile Self-Propelled Crane for major car and truck manufacturers. The crane can be used at any time, in any place on the engine assembly line when engine blocks must be pulled off the line. By keeping the line in motion, this provides continuity in the process without losing productivity. The unit design includes a Telescopic Vertical Mast; Triple Section Telescopic Boom and boom rotation, and infinitely variable travel speed control.
Our Zero Low Lift and Tilt is used on the assembly line to lift containers full of parts and then tilt to the desired position so that the assembler does not have to bend and reach. The parts are conveniently placed to be reached at one’s fingertips. This will increase efficiency, save time, reduce fatigue of workers, and improve safety.
Assembling dashboards, control panels, and wiring harnesses makes it easy and convenient with the Scissor Lift and Tilt Assembly Table. This unit can lift from 8” to 48” height to position item to desired height. Convenient for assembly, the unit has a low back up plate to prevent parts from sliding off the lift. At the proper position, the worker has a perfect view of the work performed without bending, kneeling, squatting, or reaching. The Lift and Tilt Tables help workers stand straight and stay safe.
ATI’s Scissor Lift Table with a rotating deck and roller conveyor installed on the unit helps to receive containers at a low level, and then raise to the desired height. The transfer is either straight line or a reverse in direction, at a higher level or a turn left or right. Rotation capability is 360° manual or power rotation.
We produce a wide variety of mobile hydraulic cranes used by automotive service companies to remove and install the engines and transmissions out of cars and large trucks. Units are available manually operated, lift hydraulic and propulsion, as well as battery operated lift and propulsion. AC powered are available as well, ranging from 1000 lbs. capacity and up to 10,000 lbs., and a lifting height from 8′ up to 18′ height.

Automotive Manufacturing & Service Material Handling Solutions

The automotive industry operates in one of the world’s most demanding manufacturing environments, where productivity, precision, safety, and efficiency are critical to maintaining production schedules and product quality. From engine assembly and powertrain manufacturing to electric vehicle (EV) battery production, maintenance operations, and final vehicle assembly, automotive facilities depend on reliable material handling equipment to move heavy, high-value components safely and efficiently.

Air Technical Industries (ATI) designs and manufactures automotive material handling solutions that help automotive manufacturers, OEM suppliers, Tier 1 suppliers, service centers, remanufacturing facilities, and maintenance operations improve workflow efficiency while reducing worker strain and operational risks. ATI’s broad portfolio includes floor cranes, engine cranes, hydraulic engine cranes, portable shop cranes, gantry cranes, lift tables, beam cranes, Tele-Mast Straddle Cranes, and custom-engineered automotive lifting systems. All equipment is proudly designed and manufactured in the USA and can be customized to meet specific application requirements.

Material Handling Challenges in Automotive Manufacturing

Automotive manufacturers face unique material handling challenges that require precision, reliability, and flexibility. Modern vehicle production involves handling increasingly sophisticated components, including internal combustion engines, hybrid powertrains, electric vehicle battery systems, and large structural assemblies.

Common automotive material handling challenges include:

  • Safely lifting and transporting engines
  • Positioning transmissions and driveline assemblies
  • Handling EV battery packs and battery modules
  • Moving dies, molds, and production tooling
  • Supporting maintenance and repair operations
  • Loading and unloading heavy automotive components
  • Reducing ergonomic risks and worker fatigue
  • Improving assembly line efficiency
  • Handling oversized vehicle subassemblies
  • Supporting prototype and R&D vehicle development

Without proper automotive lifting equipment, facilities may experience production bottlenecks, increased labor costs, safety concerns, equipment damage, and reduced operational efficiency.

What Material Handling Equipment Is Used in Automotive Manufacturing?

Automotive manufacturing facilities utilize a variety of lifting and positioning systems depending on the application, component weight, and production environment.

Common Automotive Material Handling Equipment Includes:

  • Engine Cranes
  • Hydraulic Engine Cranes
  • Portable Shop Cranes
  • Floor Cranes
  • Gantry Cranes
  • Beam Cranes
  • Lift Tables
  • Tele-Mast Straddle Cranes
  • Custom Lifting Fixtures
  • Assembly Support Systems

These solutions help manufacturers safely handle components throughout production, maintenance, inspection, and assembly processes.

Engine Hoists for Automotive Manufacturing

Engine handling remains one of the most common lifting applications in automotive facilities. Whether removing engines from vehicles, positioning powertrain assemblies on production lines, or supporting engine rebuilding operations, reliable engine cranes are essential.

ATI Engine Hoists are commonly used in:

  • Automotive assembly plants
  • Vehicle repair facilities
  • Fleet maintenance operations
  • Engine rebuilding centers
  • OEM manufacturing facilities
  • Remanufacturing operations

These solutions provide safe, controlled lifting while reducing physical strain on technicians and assembly personnel.

Hydraulic Engine Hoists for Precision Lifting

A hydraulic engine hoist delivers controlled lifting performance for handling heavy automotive components. Hydraulic lifting systems provide smooth operation, accurate positioning, and dependable performance for demanding industrial applications.

Common Uses Include:

  • Engine installation and removal
  • Transmission handling
  • Maintenance and repair operations
  • Component assembly
  • Prototype vehicle development
  • Manufacturing support functions

The controlled lifting action helps protect both personnel and high-value automotive components throughout the handling process.

Portable Shop Cranes for Flexible Operations

Automotive facilities often require lifting equipment that can be moved between workstations and departments. Portable shop cranes provide flexibility, mobility, and lifting power without requiring permanent installation.

These versatile cranes support:

  • Assembly line operations
  • Maintenance departments
  • Tool and die handling
  • Prototype development areas
  • Vehicle testing facilities
  • Production support functions

Their mobility allows facilities to maximize equipment utilization while reducing the need for multiple dedicated lifting systems.

Engine Gantry Cranes for Large Assemblies

Automotive manufacturers frequently handle engines, vehicle frames, battery systems, and oversized assemblies that require greater lifting capacities and wider work areas.

Engine gantry cranes provide an effective solution for:

  • Powertrain assembly
  • EV battery installation
  • Vehicle chassis support
  • Manufacturing cell operations
  • Heavy component positioning
  • Large engine handling applications

Unlike permanently installed overhead systems, many gantry cranes can be relocated as production needs evolve, offering long-term operational flexibility.

ATI Products for Automotive Applications

ATI offers a comprehensive range of lifting equipment designed specifically for automotive manufacturing and service environments.

Floor Cranes

Ideal for engine handling, assembly support, maintenance operations, and component positioning.

Reversible Boom Cranes

Provide extended reach and versatility when accessing difficult work areas.

Tele-Mast Straddle Cranes

Offer exceptional reach and maneuverability for handling vehicle assemblies and EV battery systems.

Lift Tables

Improve ergonomics and productivity during assembly, inspection, and maintenance operations.

Beam Cranes and Gantry Systems

Support repetitive lifting tasks in production cells, assembly lines, and manufacturing operations.

Request a Quote for Automotive Material Handling Solutions

Whether you need a reliable engine crane, hydraulic engine crane, portable shop crane, floor crane, engine gantry crane, lift table, or a fully customized automotive lifting system, Air Technical Industries has the expertise and equipment to support your operation.

Our engineering team works closely with automotive manufacturers, OEM suppliers, service centers, maintenance facilities, and vehicle assembly plants to develop solutions that improve safety, productivity, and operational efficiency.

Contact Air Technical Industries today to request a quote and discuss your application with our material handling experts. We are ready to help you improve manufacturing performance, reduce operational challenges, and achieve safer, more efficient material handling throughout your automotive operation.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

1. What type of crane is used in automotive manufacturing?

Automotive manufacturers commonly use floor cranes, engine cranes, gantry cranes, beam cranes, and hydraulic engine cranes to handle engines, transmissions, battery packs, tooling, and vehicle assemblies.

2. How are EV battery packs handled safely?

EV battery packs are typically handled using specialized cranes, lift tables, and custom lifting systems that provide controlled movement and precise positioning.

3. What are the benefits of automotive material handling systems?

These systems improve safety, increase productivity, reduce manual lifting, minimize component damage, and enhance manufacturing efficiency.

4. Can ATI provide custom automotive lifting solutions?

Yes. ATI designs and manufactures custom lifting equipment tailored to automotive manufacturing, assembly, maintenance, and service applications.

5. Which automotive facilities use ATI equipment?

ATI supports automotive OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, vehicle assembly plants, remanufacturing centers, service facilities, maintenance operations, and EV manufacturing facilities.