Dive into American Crane’s story of passion and perseverance
Over the past 50 years, American Crane and Equipment Corporation has evolved into a true leader in the manufacturing industry, revolutionizing the sector with its ongoing grit and expertise.
Based in Douglasville, Pennsylvania, the company is widely recognized as America’s top manufacturer of overhead lifting systems. Its impressive portfolio features a vast selection of cranes, hoists, other material handling systems and related components. Armed with a team of mechanical, structural and electrical engineers, American Crane is proud to offer an extensive catalogue of capabilities, allowing it to effectively execute both typical and bespoke projects.
“We’re a women-owned business with a legacy spanning over 50 years,” shares Karen Norheim, President and CEO of American Crane. “Commitment and integrity define our approach as we strive to exceed customer expectations.”
Karen’s father has always been a huge inspiration to her. As a Norwegian immigrant who lost his mother and never knew his father, he courageously immigrated to the USA in his twenties and transformed American Crane into the manufacturing empire it is today. Fast forward several years and her father introduced Karen to the company.
“Embarking on a career in manufacturing was not a planned choice,” Karen explains, reflecting on her journey at American Crane. “When my father asked me to join the family business, I questioned the appeal of the manufacturing sector. Nevertheless, I agreed and unexpectedly discovered my calling.
“With American Crane, I developed a genuine enthusiasm for the field of manufacturing, something I might have overlooked had it not been for my father’s influence. My father has always been a figure of inspiration. His influence in my life is immeasurable, and for his role, I am profoundly grateful.”
Over the years, American Crane has seen exponential growth, and today boasts three sites spanning over 230,000 square feet in total, including a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.
“American Crane possesses one of the Northeast’s most sizable floor type horizontal boring mills, along with an on-site 200-ton load testing tower, allowing us to expand our productive capacity and adapt to growing market demands,” Karen details, discussing American Crane’s capabilities. “Our comprehensive engineering services cover mechanical and machinery designs, structural analyses, dynamic modeling, seismic analyses, control system designs, remote and automated systems, and software development with real-time graphics. Moreover, we support nuclear utilities customers with 10 CFR 50.59 evaluations performed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.”
This year, American Crane launched its Smart Crane System and new Machine Health IoT products, both of which offer detailed, in-depth real time monitoring for problem prevention. Karen emphasizes that it’s these technological innovations that keep American Crane ahead of the curve.
“As manufacturers, the necessity to embrace and harness technology is clear,” she elaborates. “However, I believe that the truly outstanding organizations will be those who value both technology and humanity equally. We find ourselves in a rapidly changing world, an epoch where you either lead the changes or get surpassed by them.”
Indeed, another key factor in American Crane’s success is the robust relationships it holds close to its core. “At American Crane, we are passionate about delighting our customers,” Karen continues. “We build lasting relationships. Our encounters are not just transactional, they are lifelong. In the realm of overhead crane manufacturing, establishing positive and longstanding working relationships within our supply network is paramount.”
Customer relations aside, Karen is always eager to invest in her team. “Our people are the most important part of our business,” Karen expresses. “Culture is our powerful asset – it enables us to persist, quickly adapt to digital transformations impacting industry, and withstand challenges like a worldwide pandemic. We talk a lot about culture and the concept that ‘grit matters’.” 
“One of the ways we foster this is by creating a culture of problem-solving, where everyone is encouraged to identify and address the challenges we face, both internally and externally.
“Kirton’s Adaption-Innovation Theory (KAI) has been a crucial framework in helping us achieve this and recognize the different cognitive styles in our team, as well as how each of our employees approach problem-solving and creativity. Without this understanding, we risk fostering an environment in which our team is not only less efficient but also unhappy,” Karen notes.
As a certified women-owned business, accredited by the Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE), establishing a positive and empowering corporate culture is crucial. Keen to be an influential, female leader in manufacturing, Karen discusses the importance of role models: “Having my father as a mentor has been a privilege for me,” Karen notes. “I believe it is critical for women to find mentors or sponsors to help guide their career paths. I have observed that women are often underrepresented in professional settings. While my personal experience has been positive and free from discrimination, I acknowledge that not everyone may share this experience. Women bring diverse perspectives that contribute to cognitive diversity within teams.
“I am committed to serving as a role model. I strive to initiate a chain of influence that propels others forward in the world of manufacturing. Now is an opportune moment to embrace diversity in manufacturing.”
This mindset drives Karen’s dedication to help her team be the best they can be. In terms of leadership, she focuses on nurturing her team, supporting their growth, and investing in their training.
“I think successful leaders need a balance of unwavering confidence and healthy skepticism, a mixture of pride and humility without overestimating oneself, self-restraint, resilience, and a natural inclination to be curious,” she says.
As American Crane moves into the future, Karen is keen to further spread the company’s narrative of grit and strength and is excited to spread this message in her forthcoming book, The Viking Gardener, which is scheduled for publication late 2025. By staying true to its values, Karen aims to maintain American Crane’s status as the most respected overhead lifting company and as it continues to grow, she will strive to empower its people and continue its legacy of manufacturing excellence for years to come.