Internal transport: always the best fitting solution

Although metalworking often involves hefty weights, lifting is about more than just strength. It must also involve sufficient flexibility to achieve workable solutions. Ohis Industrie's strength is that it has a wide enough range of strong brands and also does not shy away from customization to make that happen for its customers. So everything from lifting technology to moving your goods as efficiently as possible within your company. 

A tumultuous start, is the least you can say. Six months after its founding, there was suddenly covid, which kept the company gates closed. Nevertheless, Ohis, which has established itself with Ghislenghien in the center of the country, had flown in with flying colors. Not least because of the years of experience of co-business owner Christophe Bontinck. "I started the business with partners Ralph Krips and Luc Kremer to do things differently. I still see a lot of dinosaurs in the market. Whereas just by leveraging digital technology in your own organization you can realize so much added value with your customers." 

Everything runs in one digitalized flow for a perfect follow-up of projects, maintenance and repairs. After each intervention, a report is automatically sent out with any follow-up tasks listed. "Customers appreciate that, they never have to chase our feathers."

Customization with standard components

So OHIS has lifting technology 4.0 running through its veins, in the broadest sense of the word. "You can come to us for all solutions to move goods within a company. Think of overhead cranes, slewing cranes, light crane systems, lifting tables, but also customized solutions." And it is precisely in this that the accumulated experience makes the difference. "Because we always start from standard components. We know what is available on the market and how to use that to put together the perfect puzzle for our customers," Bontinck clarifies. 

The starting point is the wide range of reputable brands. "Every brand has its strengths and limitations. We play off that complementarity to arrive at the best possible solution, complete with all the options and accessories customers need." 

Service as a pillar

Not just for new projects, by the way. In the first few years, the focus was mainly on maintenance and repairs. "In hoisting technology, components may not break down quickly, but if there is a breakdown, your customer's entire production can be halted. Hence the deliberate choice of European partners, partners who also want to go that extra mile and join us in putting their knowledge and experience at the service of end users." This is how Ohis has built its reputation as a reliable partner customer by customer. After all, for Bontinck, service is crucial. "From selecting the right components, to smart inventory management, to residual life calculations to see when an overhaul is imminent. We address the whole picture for our customer. We are even there, if required, during an inspection to correct any deficiencies immediately."

About overhead cranes and slewing cranes

For the metal sector, Ohis has appropriate answers ready for the often heavy weights. Bontinck: "In construction, for example, we see that overhead cranes are indispensable for transporting large pieces. With Stahl and Demag, we have two extremely reliable brands in the range. We have plenty of solutions to adapt these in function of the materials, whether they are plates, profiles, tubes.... This is why we also like to be at the table early in the project. After all, an overhead crane has a big impact on the rest of the building." 

Then again, for turning and milling work or to take laser-cut pieces to other machine tools, flexibility will take precedence. "Not everyone has the budget for a robot. But with Vetter's (mobile) slewing cranes, they can already make huge strides in terms of efficiency, safety and ergonomics." 

Safety first

Indeed, when it comes to safety, Ohis does not compromise. The ten employees the company now has receive training at accredited centers to work according to proper methods and the latest legislation. "So that they know what they are doing and can do it safely. We can also add additional security options for customers who want them. Cameras with artificial intelligence can detect people and objects present in the building to plot the safest route. In addition, a Bluespot system can project a line on the ground so that everyone can clearly see in which direction the overhead crane is moving. There's not as much demand for this yet, but you can see the importance of safety growing. The technology is ready for it. Ohis too," concludes Bontinck.