From the steelworks of Sheffield to the automotive assembly lines of the West Midlands, the right lifting equipment is the backbone of British industry. But in 2025, with manufacturing output in the North West and Midlands surging, sticking with outdated manual handling isn't just slow—it’s a safety risk.
Whether you are retrofitting a Victorian mill in Leeds or fitting out a new logistics unit in Manchester, choosing the right crane system is critical for ROI.
This guide breaks down the four main types of industrial cranes and exactly where they fit in your workshop.
1. Overhead Travelling Cranes (EOT Cranes)
The Heavy Lifters for Open Floors
Also known as Bridge Cranes, these are the most common solution for covering large rectangular areas. They run on elevated runways, leaving your floor space completely clear for production.
The Two Main Variations:
Single Girder: Cost-effective and lighter. Ideal for light manufacturing and warehousing (up to 10-15 tonnes).
Double Girder: For the heavy-duty jobs. These offer better hook height and can handle massive capacities (often 100+ tonnes).
Best Application:
Steel Stockholders (South Yorkshire): Moving heavy bundles of raw steel or pipe.
Injection Moulding (Midlands): Precise changing of heavy mould tools in automotive supply chains.
Local Insight: If your facility is an older building with low headroom (common in Bradford or Stoke), look for "low headroom" hoists to maximize your lifting height.
2. Jib Cranes
The Workstation Warriors
As discussed in our previous guide on compact lifting solutions, Jib cranes are the masters of localized lifting. Consisting of a horizontal arm (jib) mounted to a wall or floor pillar, they provide a rotational lifting arc (usually 180° or 360°).
Why Choose a Jib?
They prevent bottlenecks. Instead of waiting for the main overhead crane to move a 50kg part, an assembly worker can use their dedicated jib crane instantly.
Best Application:
CNC Machining Cells: Loading raw billets into lathes or mills.
Assembly Lines (Derby/Coventry): Lifting engines or gearboxes onto benches for final assembly.
Loading Bays: Rapidly loading vans without a forklift.
3. Portal & Gantry Cranes
The Flexible, Mobile Solution
A Gantry Crane (or Portal Crane) is similar to a bridge crane, but instead of running on elevated rails, the bridge is supported by legs that run on floor rails or wheels.
Portable Gantries (A-Frames):
Small, wheeled gantries that can be pushed manually. These are essential for maintenance teams who need to lift a pump or motor in one corner of the factory today and another corner tomorrow.
Best Application:
Shipyards & Ports (North East/Merseyside): Large rail-mounted gantries for moving shipping containers or hull sections.
Vehicle Maintenance: Perfect for lifting engines out of trucks in fleet depots where a permanent structure isn't feasible.
4. Monorail Cranes
The Assembly Line Streamliners
A monorail crane features a hoist that runs along a single fixed track. Unlike EOT cranes that cover a square area, monorails move loads in a specific linear path (which can include curves).
Best Application:
Food & Drink Processing (North West): Moving heavy mixing bowls or ingredients along a fixed production route.
Painting & Powder Coating: transporting parts through blast booths, paint booths, and curing ovens without unhooking the load.
Which Crane is Right for Your Region?
For the Midlands (Automotive & Aero Hub)
Recommendation: Light Crane Systems (Modular Overhead).
Why? These lightweight, easy-to-move cranes are perfect for the fast-paced assembly tasks found in Tier 1 and Tier 2 automotive suppliers.
For the North West (Chemicals & Textiles)
Recommendation: ATEX-Rated Jib Cranes.
Why? With a high density of chemical processing plants in Cheshire and Manchester, spark-proof pneumatic lifting gear is often a compliance necessity.
For Yorkshire & North East (Heavy Engineering)
Recommendation: Double Girder Overhead Cranes.
Why? The region’s heritage in structural steel and fabrication demands robust equipment that can handle 24/7 heavy lifting in dusty environments.
Safety & Compliance: The "LOLER" Factor
Regardless of whether you are in Hull or Birmingham, all lifting equipment in the UK must comply with LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998).
Buying the crane is step one. Ensuring it is inspected, tested, and certified every 12 months is what keeps your business legal and your staff safe.
Ready to Optimise Your Workshop?
Don't let inefficient handling slow down your production. Whether you need a simple jib for a workbench or a 10-tonne overhead system for a new bay, we understand the specific challenges of Northern and Midlands industrial buildings.
Book a Survey Contact UsOr call our engineering team today to discuss your lifting requirements.
0800 043 1990