Since 1819, when Friedrich Harkort and Heinrich Kamp partnered to launch the first predecessor to the contemporary Demag Cranes AG, the company has been an industrial pioneer and global player. That initial factory set Prussia, later Germany, down a path of industrialization. First producing steam engines and later steel, Harkort and Kamp made people the focus of their operations – a tradition that continues today.
Along the way, including producing the first crane with an electric drive in 1887, several different companies would be formed to finally merge in 1910 to become Deutsch Machinenfabrik AG Corporation. Shortened to Demag – its telegram abbreviation the company made huge strides during this time. In 1912, the first electric rope hoist was brought to market establishing the company as a pioneer in crane components.
By the middle of the century, the company led the way in new product innovation to become an international powerhouse. Here are the most important innovations during that time.
Demag Bantam, or “Little Demag”
The “Little Demag” was the first chain hoist released by Demag in 1953.
A move from products not solely dependent on a single industry allowed Demag engineers the freedom to invent the Little Demag released in 1953. This signaled a new direction for the company. As the company’s first chain hoist, it worked with a roller chain and could handle loads up to 500 kilograms. It could be used not only in factory buildings but also construction sites, warehouses, railway stations and ports expanding the product scope to the small commercial sector. In less than two years, the Little Demag had almost doubled in sales.
Electric Rope Hoist Model P
The legendary Demag model P wire rope hoist debuted in 1959.
Building off this new innovation, the Electric Rope Hoist Model P debuted in 1959. Still a favorite among customers, this was a legendary hoist that had longevity, which made it so popular. It was also designed to handle heavier loads and could be individually adjusted adding to its universal appeal. Using the sliding contact principle, the Model P combined drive, gearbox, rope drive and electric motor structures.
PK Chain Hoist “The Junior”
The Demag PK Chain Hoist, or Demag Junior, was versatile for use in nearly any industry.
As the electric hoist product line expanded, Demag’s most successful product series was created. The PK Chain Hoist also known as the “Demag Junior,” and later simply “The Junior,” was introduced in 1963. This new hoist was small and lightweight and was marketed as a solution for reducing costs and suited for industry, trade, commerce and agriculture providing versatility. By 1993, more than a million of these hoists had been sold worldwide.
Demag Manulift
The Demag Manulift was a true innovation and continues to be today.
Based on the lifting unit of the PK chain hoist, the Manulift was truly the first of its kind when it debuted in 1975. Supplemented by a control unit that could be operated with one hand while the other assisted the load, the Manulift is noteworthy because it eliminates – or at least minimizes manual lifting allowing for more flexibility and for loads to be moved quickly.
DMR (Demag Modular Rope Hoist)
The modular design of the Demag DMR makes it easy to tailor the wire rope hoist to your job.
The latest wire rope hoist to hit the market arrived in 2015. This new modular hoist is modular and flexible. With the ability to configure into both a c-design and co-axial design, it provides endless possibilities to meet the needs of nearly any job. The DMR stands out because of its adaptability to the needs of the user, increasing the possibilities for use today and in the future.
Two centuries of inventions and innovation, plus a strong focus on their people, has made Demag Cranes an international industrial leader. With an emphasis on producing crane hoists and other components, the company continues to provide quality products and a dedicated team that serves as brand ambassadors. The company still embodies the founders’ goals of safety, reliability and innovation while staying true to its brand motto: “Committed to Performance.”
Learn more about Demag’s 200 year history at Demag200.com.