Engineering New Heights With HOJ Innovations
Utah-based HOJ Innovations is taking a bold leap in industrial engineering with the design and construction of its first overhead crane that combines extraordinary span with heavy-lift capability.
Measuring over 126 feet across and boasting a lifting capacity of 40 tons, this custom-engineered crane will redefine operational efficiency for the warehouse sector. Scheduled for completion in early 2026 and delivery in February, the project marks a significant milestone for the company and sets a new benchmark for heavy-duty overhead cranes.
The bespoke design ensures full building coverage within a clear span, enabling seamless movement of large and heavy materials across the entire facility. This feat not only underscores HOJ’s growing engineering prowess but also reinforces its commitment to addressing the evolving needs of modern warehouse operations.
Expanding the Boundaries of Design
HOJ Innovations’ CEO, Tim Hoj, explained the company’s motivation for taking on such a challenging project: “A crane of this size and capacity required us to expand our abilities and surpass the design parameters we’ve used in the past to meet operational requirements. With a vision to expand our capacity and to meet the continually evolving needs of the warehouse industry, we took the opportunity to modify our tools and processes to make this project possible. This crane project establishes a new standard for us and our customers.”
Creating a crane of this magnitude demanded significant design evolution. The final model will be a top-riding, double-girder bridge crane engineered to offer optimal strength, balance, and precision control. Because the structure exceeds the company’s manufacturing facility limits, the crane will be fabricated in four separate sections. Each of the two girders will be split into two segments, requiring four truckloads for transportation. Once delivered onsite, the sections will be spliced and assembled to create a single, robust unit capable of performing heavy lifts with remarkable stability.
Full Building Coverage and Operational Efficiency
The engineering team focused on achieving maximum efficiency by ensuring the crane offers complete coverage of the warehouse floor. Its extensive span and heavy-lift capability make it an ideal solution for operations handling large-scale materials or assemblies where traditional cranes might fall short. With the new system in place, the client will be able to perform heavy-duty lifting tasks anywhere within the facility, eliminating blind spots and improving workflow continuity.
This approach to warehouse integration reflects the increasing demand for flexible, scalable lifting systems that support automation and lean operations. The upcoming installation represents HOJ Innovations’ adaptability in tailoring crane systems to diverse environments, especially in sectors where space utilisation and safety are top priorities.
Precision Manufacturing for a Mega-Scale Project
Given the crane’s extreme length and lifting specifications, manufacturing precision is paramount. HOJ Innovations has integrated advanced fabrication techniques, enhanced welding processes, and upgraded measurement technologies to maintain structural integrity throughout the assembly. The splicing process will involve high-strength bolting and precision alignment, ensuring the final structure functions as a single, unified system.
This project also prompted HOJ to reassess its production workflow, with temporary facility adaptations enabling the fabrication of larger components. The experience gained through this build is expected to expand the company’s capabilities for future large-scale industrial projects.
Diverse Crane Solutions and Custom Fabrication
Beyond this headline-making crane, HOJ Innovations continues to offer a wide range of lifting solutions tailored to different industrial requirements. Its current product portfolio includes:
- Single-girder bridge cranes
- Double-girder bridge cranes
- Underhung cranes
- Gantry cranes
- Jib cranes
- Monorail systems
- Hoists and material-handling accessories
Each product is designed with a customer-first approach, integrating safety, reliability, and operational efficiency. The company’s custom fabrication services allow clients to specify everything from lift capacity and span to control systems and mobility features, making HOJ a versatile partner for bespoke warehouse and industrial needs.
Building a Legacy of Innovation
Since its founding in 1964, HOJ Innovations has been synonymous with ingenuity and problem-solving in warehouse logistics. The company began as a one-man venture under Henning Hoj, who established HOJ Engineering and Sales in Salt Lake City. Six decades later, the business has grown to more than 200 employees, operating from offices in Utah and Idaho, while completing over 100,000 projects across domestic and international markets.
Today, the legacy continues under Henning’s sons, Peter and Tim Hoj, who have expanded the company’s focus to include advanced warehouse automation and software integration. Their leadership has kept HOJ at the forefront of inventory management solutions, offering seamless fulfilment processes that blend mechanical innovation with digital intelligence.
Integrating Software and Hardware for Smarter Operations
What distinguishes HOJ Innovations from many of its competitors is its integrated approach to warehouse management. The company not only manufactures physical lifting equipment but also provides software-driven logistics and automation systems. This dual focus enables HOJ to deliver holistic solutions where mechanical handling, data tracking, and operational control converge into one efficient ecosystem.
As the warehouse and logistics industry continues to evolve toward smart automation, HOJ’s capacity to align hardware with intelligent systems positions it as a forward-thinking industry leader. Its ongoing projects are designed to support facilities adopting Industry 4.0 principles, where real-time data analytics and digital monitoring enhance productivity and safety.
A Vision Anchored in Progress
The development of this new crane represents more than a single engineering success. It’s an embodiment of HOJ Innovations’ broader mission: to continuously refine how materials are moved, managed, and monitored across industrial environments. The company’s focus on sustainability, operational efficiency, and precision design underscores its ongoing contribution to the global logistics and manufacturing ecosystem.
From its modest beginnings to its current standing as a leading provider of advanced warehouse solutions, HOJ Innovations has proven that innovation thrives on ambition. As the 40-ton crane nears completion, it will stand as a tangible symbol of the company’s enduring drive to push engineering boundaries and deliver excellence at scale.
