Under the leadership of new president Michael Militello, Waltco Hydraulic Liftgates is preparing to merge with Ultron Lift Corp., the companies announced Monday, May 18. Both liftgate companies are members of the Hiab Division of Cargotec Corp. Militello also serves as president of Ultron, which was acquired by Cargotec in March 2008.
“Waltco is a leader in the U.S. liftgate market, while Ultron is a leader in Canada,” Militello says. “A unified company will create a dominant North American presence.”
The new company will continue as Waltco Lift Corp. Plans call for a combined product line, based on the products that provide the highest value to the customer. Merging the two companies also will result in a more comprehensive sales and support network throughout North America, Militello says. “Our customers will benefit from enhanced service and support, wherever they are located.”
The new company will be headquartered in Tallmadge, Ohio, at the site of Waltco’s current headquarters. Manufacturing will continue at Waltco’s Tallmadge facility, as well as at Ultron’s plant in Buffalo, N.Y. A new corporate identity will emerge in the coming months, which combines the Waltco name with the red logotype used by the Hiab Division.
