The purpose of this information is to provide background and guidance to emphasize the Value Added when purchasing an Alimak Hek product and to inform clients of the potential differences between its products and those provided by Chinese and Eastern European manufacturers. It is not intended as verifiable facts when implying these differences but rather a “road map” to direct the clients into further investigations when comparing the AH products to other suppliers.
AHI, through its parent company, Alimak Hek AB provides a full range of US and European certified products (AHI USA products meet or exceed all ANSI certification as detailed in the ANSI A10. 4 (temporary personnel and goods hoists) and A17.1 (Permanent Rack and Pinion hoists) codes and EN certified products with full EU registrations and certifications. Both the US and European codes require stringent design adherence including testing and theoretical testing and verification prior to certification. To our knowledge, no such standard exists for the Chinese produced hoists and no certifying body has approved these hoists for use in the respective markets.
Alimak Hek, Inc provides Industry leading coverage for General and Products Liability for all products produced and sold by AHI and its parent and sister companies. Specifically, AHI, through Zurich Insurance and Marsh Risk Management Services provides complete products liability coverage, without restrictions through primary and secondary umbrellas limits in excess of $40 million for costs or damages incurred in the event of an accident or incident that is determined to be caused by product defects, design defects or quality issues, regardless of their nature. Products distributed from Eastern European or Chinese origin manufacturing operations may not provide similar coverage and we urge customers contemplating purchase or use of these products to investigate the limits and protection provided or offered by the companies distributing or selling these products.
The investigation should include research into the limits of liability provided by any claim of insurance including any exclusionary language in the insurance statements provided with particular emphasis on any “Limited Products Liability” clauses. These clauses allow for exclusion of costs or damages for any issues that can be traced to the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and are intended to offer the insured and user group’s coverage costs or damages determined to be caused by design, manufacturing or quality defects related to modifications performed by the insured. They are not intended to offer full protection for the insured or user groups for costs or damages caused by the OEM and any issues traced to the OEM will be excluded from the coverage offered. This could expose the insured and the user group to measurable risks not contemplated during the decision process of whose equipment to purchase or use on a project site.
Alimak Hek AB and its affiliate Product Companies operate under and adhere to internationally recognized Quality Standards and are certified to ISO 9001 standards. We are unaware of any standards (certified or clamed) for the Eastern European or Chinese products currently promoted into the US and Canada. Lack of certification does not translate to poor quality, but certification to these internationally recognized standards provides a guarantee to owners and users that the products offered by AHI will be of a consistent and world class standard. As proof of this, Alimak Hek has a proven product quality and longevity track record. Our hoists have been installed in many industries in harsh environments, and have demonstrated life expectancy. Eastern European and Far Eastern products may not have displayed the same proven decades of product longevity, at least in the US. This unknown may want to be factored into an owner’s evaluation both for possible shorter life span, or possibly higher maintenance costs.
Download
Alimak Hek Product Liability
Back to Top